eFlight

The data link challenge - Airlines are increasingly using data links to improve safety, operational efficiency and on-time performance. Sophisticated data link avionics are readily available, but to obtain the full benefits an aircraft operator also needs a complementary airline host system. Maximum advantage is obtained when data link is integrated with other airline operational control (AOC) systems in use. Often, data link capability is provided using subscription services or individual mainframe-based systems. These solutions are complex, inflexible and expensive in terms of both acquisition and operational maintenance.

The solution - The HERMES Ground Data Link System, developed and produced by Rockwell Collins UK Ltd., is a cost-effective way to meet these challenges. Based on modern PC technologies, its n-tier architecture and object-oriented, component-based software design enables a wide range of system solutions, ranging from stand-alone systems to full integration with existing networks and mainframe applications.

The data link experts - Rockwell Collins UK Ltd. is the centre of excellence for ground based data link capability. Standard products, tailored solutions and consultancy are supplied to airlines and service providers worldwide. Rockwell Collins is a world leader in data link avionics, providing SATCOM, VHF and HF, controllers and communication management units (CMUs) to air transport and general aviation markets around the globe.

Global Data Communication

Global data communication - Airborne Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) is the proven system in use today that provides global data link communication. The HERMES system provides the aircraft operator with a sophisticated Airline Host gateway to ACARS.

The HERMES system enhances the capabilities of the service provider ground networks and data-link avionics. The system is flexible and scalable and can grow with increasing requirements. The HERMES system supports a mixed fleet of data-link avionics from multiple manufacturers.

The benefits of good communication are many - They add up to improved operational efficiency and better on-time performance. These are both key success factors for commercial airlines today.

Timely maintenance - Continuous aircraft-performance-trend monitoring raises awareness of problems before they develop, thus allowing timely scheduling of maintenance and avoiding disruption of operations.

On-time performance - The system enables direct uplinks of flight plans, load sheets, crew and flight schedules, which reduce turnaround times. It also enables earlier and more accurate snag reports. This allows timely spares and staff positioning at the destination, thus avoiding delays or cancellations.

Automation of data transfer - HERMES enables seamless integration of data link with other ground systems. Manual interaction when exchanging data, triggering events and generating reports is significantly reduced.

Friendly Windows user interface - The HERMES Messenger is an e-mail-style, user-friendly interface to data link. It is an easy-to-use Windows program with extensive on-screen help.

Local control of advanced message handling - The HERMES Administrator is a Windows program that enables the user to control the operation of the HERMES Airline Host. The Administrator maintains message formats, message routing and processing rules, aircraft fleet and end-systems, users and user groups. The advanced message-processing logic is user-configurable.

Fault tolerance and fault detection - The HERMES Airline Host can be operated in a number of multi-server high availability configurations, and in addition, it performs real-time fault detection on itself and on other parts of the data link service. This provides a data link service that can be relied upon.

Flexible logging and reporting - The HERMES system logs all message traffic into a database. A flexible report generator allows statistical, management and trend reporting on a routine or ad-hoc basis.

Cost-effective integration - The HERMES Airline Host is designed to enable integration of other airline ground systems with data link. Application interfaces allow exchange of information between the HERMES Airline Host and other applications, such as flight planning and following systems, crew scheduling and payroll systems, and airframe and engine monitoring systems.

Ready for the future - Rockwell Collins UK Ltd. has developed the HERMES system to provide customers with the benefits of data link, both now and in the future. As ACARS standards evolve and the Aeronautical Telecommunications Network (ATN) is developed to support the ICAO CNS/ATM concept, Rockwell Collins is developing the new standards, and the Rockwell Collins UK Ltd. HERMES system will evolve. In addition, HERMES supports broadband data communications such as gatelink and high speed SATCOM.

Standard product and single supplier - Rockwell Collins, a world leader in aviation electronics and communication, provides an end-to-end, integrated data link solution for aircraft operators - both large and small.

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HERMES Overview Presentation