Boeing and United Airlines are partnering to test out an internet-based data communication system meant to improve the flow of information between the flight deck, air traffic control (ATC), and airline operation centers.
Starting in October, the manufacturer conducted test flights using a United 737-8 crewed by United pilots to assess Internet Protocol Suite (IPS) standards. The IP-based system is expected to enhance operational efficiency and flight safety while also reducing air traffic congestion, fuel use, and emissions.
The flights were based in Houston and Edinburgh, Scotland, and took place over the U.S. Midwest, U.K., and continental Europe.
The 737 is serving as Boeing’s latest ecoDemonstrator Explorer, essentially a testbed for new technology developed by Boeing engineers. The aircraft was chosen because it has the architecture and satellite safety services equipment needed to demonstrate IPS, according to company officials.
“Boeing is proud to lead the advancement of digital communications that significantly enhance safety and operational efficiency in commercial aviation,” Boeing chief technology officer Todd Citron said in a statement. “Our collaboration with United Airlines and the industry team is a pivotal step towards improving the reliability and speed of communication between the flight deck and air traffic control to enable safer, more efficient flight for the flying public.”
The tests also involved government agencies, Boeing suppliers, aircraft communications service providers, and other partners. Among the collaborators are Collins Aerospace, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, European Space Agency (ESA), FAA, Honeywell, NASA Air Traffic Management, SITA, Thales, and Viasat.
Modern Approach
IPS offers faster, more flexible, and more secure communication between air and ground systems than legacy protocols, which will eventually run out of bandwidth. The FAA has incorporated the technology into its NextGen plan for modernizing the National Airspace System (NAS).
Some trade groups and aviation standards associations have pushed for an industry-wide migration to IPS for years.
Boeing’s ecoDemonstrator program has tested more than 250 experimental systems since 2012. Of that, 28 percent have progressed into products and services, 52 percent are still being matured, and 20 percent were discontinued.
