Rockwell Collins’ SAT-6100B SATCOM receives FCC Approval and Limited Type Approval from INMARSAT Services

Orlando, Fla. - Rockwell Collins announced today that its SAT-6100B satellite communications system (SATCOM) has received Limited Type Approval from INMARSAT Services, as well as approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The system will be available in late 2008.

“We continue to invest significant resources to ensure that our customers receive a SwiftBroadband solution that meets passengers’ needs and expectations,” said Steve Timm, Vice President and General Manager, Information Management at Rockwell Collins. “With Rockwell Collins SAT-6100B system, passengers and crew have access to the real-time information and the connectivity they’ve come to expect in their home or office.”

The SAT-6100B SATCOM offers a range of SwiftBroadband (SBB) functionality along with automatic fallback to Swift 64 when out of SBB coverage. It also has 3 classic aeronautical channels (2 Aero H/H+ voice channels and a low speed data channel) and is approved for ICAO safety services.

Utilizing INMARSAT Services, SAT-6100B delivers connectivity services that enable advances in airborne connectivity such as Internet and email. The SAT-6100B also offers features that enhance safety and efficiency. Proprietary software monitors and manages the power for all channels, and preempts lower priority channels in favor of higher priority communications from the flight deck, ensuring compliance with ICAO safety services. The software also validates Swift64 and SBB frequencies to ensure there is no interference with GPS navigation.

Rockwell Collins SATCOM is one of the few leading systems that are approved to DO-178B Level D software certification to be used in flight deck applications such as FANS data link.