Modernized Albatross Serves as Test Bed

Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 08:26 PM ET

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Key Takeaways:

A modernized Albatross aircraft serves as a research and development test bed for in-flight entertainment and broadband systems.
The Row 44 high-speed broadband system, specific to Southwest Airlines, was tested to provide wireless internet connectivity for personal devices like iPhones, iPads, and laptops.
The Albatross underwent significant modifications, including a redesigned cockpit and overhead controls, to adapt it for its R&D testing role.

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A company providing in-flight entertainment is using a modernized Albatross as a test bed for their products.

Albatross Cockpit — The instrument panel and overhead controls were redesigned as part of the major modification project required to make the Albatross into an R&D test bed.

Albatross — Dave Cummings and Simon Mclellan install the latest hardware into the overhead panel in preparation for a test flight.

iPhone — The system tested was specific to Southwest Airlines, and Row 44’s high-speed broadband provided full bars for the wireless Internet connection on the iPhone.

Albatross — Signatures from former Space Shuttle astronauts were left on one of the interior side panels as proof of Albatross One’s former duty in NASA’s training program.

Albatross Workstation — Laptops, iPads and smart phones are some of the platforms capable of connecting to Row 44’s system.

Albatross Workstation — Simon Mclellan analyzes data from the Row 44 system during the test flight.

Albatross

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