Satcom and all that stuff
Several recent posts have raised questions regarding satcom capacity and the possibility of packet data relay systems between aircraft to carry aircraft position information. These are valid technical questions but seem to be putting the cart before horse.
The real questions do not at this stage cover "how" but should concentrate on what it is that we are trying to achieve. Currently aircraft position information is available either on a schedule or on request by ATC using ADS and CPDLC. This information uses ACARS and is carried on VHF or satcom as is appropriate. ACARS is used primarily because the only global data network on the ground throughout much of the world is the airline data communications networks operated by ARINC and SITA and ATC units are connected to these.
This system could be extended to carry FDR data but to whom? Where would it be stored? Once these questions are answered then it will be time to start looking at the airground links to be used.
As a former colleague with a military background used to say, "Strategy is about what needs to happen; when the word 'HOW' crops up you are getting into tactics."
Let's get the big picture right before we drop down to the bit level.
Last edited by Frequent SLF; 12th Apr 2014 at 04:01.
Reason: Early morning keyboard issues