Modernized Albatross Serves as Test Bed

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

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Key Takeaways:

A company providing in-flight entertainment is using a modernized Albatross aircraft as a research and development test bed for their products.
The Albatross underwent major modifications, including a redesigned cockpit, to test high-speed broadband internet and entertainment systems, specifically for clients like Southwest Airlines.
The tested system, provided by Row 44, delivered wireless internet connectivity to various devices such as iPhones, iPads, and laptops during test flights.

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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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