I read it as - Embraer, in adding a dash-300 version of the 190, wants to redesign things from scratch so that one computer, with one satellite link, and other peripherals, can handle all the computational needs of the aircraft.
E.G. ACARS and passenger wifi all run through one cable to one sat antenna. (but not limited to that -
everything runs through one CPU and network, or two/three with backups)
Presumably saves weight and physical complexity (boxes and wiring) and possibly electrical power drain. I.E. money, in both construction and operation.
(Not totally new to Embraer - remember the specific warning about the interconnect between GPS signal loss and aircraft control problems, that came up in a discussion of the
Phenom and US Military GPS jamming tests a year ago - Embraer
likes tying everything together in one neat package.
http://www.pprune.org/tech-log/58004...m-300-gps.html ). [EDIT: I notice you started that thread too - I guess you do remember it]
ONLY applies, thus far, to the ERJ 190-
300 aircraft specificially.
FAA is proposing specific extra hoops Embraer must jump through (and asking for comments on those proposals) to
prove the aircraft systems are isolated, by security software or some such, before certifying it. Embraer must explain or demonstrate to the FAA:
- Exactly how - technically - will the flight-critical control and comm parts of the network/operating system be isolated securely from the passenger-entertainment parts?
- Exactly what policies and procedures will be written down and enforced, by Embraer and by operators, to ensure that the technical process and pieces will be correctly implemented, verified, tested and maintained during the operational life of the aircraft?