New aircraft communications server from Astronics Ballard Technology

Astronics Ballard Technology has launched a smart AID/server/router to enable operators to capture aircraft data easily. The Wireless Aircraft Communications Server (webCS) has a low-profile wi-fi and cellular antenna array and can manage multiple communication pathways.

The idea is that data can be used by flight crews to assess and improve aircraft performance efficiency, and by operators for post-flight or real-time analysis. Data could be transmitted post-flight using built-in cellular or wi-fi interfaces, or in real-time through an onboard connectivity system.

“Never before has there been a device so small that combines all of these capabilities into one seamlessly integrated box,” said Jon Neal, vice president and general manager of Astronics Ballard Technology.

“With the webCS, there is no need to worry about compatibility issues that can occur with add-on components or when connecting multiple boxes together. Up until now, AID/server solutions have been built as closed systems that require the hardware vendor to deploy new or updated software. With our secure, open-architecture approach, we empower our customers to develop and control the software applications running on the webCS.”