Forward-fit, secure, air-ground communications system
will enable complete connectivity

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, February 27, 2018 – Astronautics Corporation of America recently began testing the first engineering units of its new air-ground communications system (AGCS). AGCS is a secure connectivity solution that Astronautics is providing to Airbus Helicopters.

Astronautics’ AGCS will provide:

  • Secure protection of critical avionics from non-authorized access through implementation of a modern cybersecurity framework
  • Wireless access to operational and maintenance data on the ground and also in flight when connected to a satellite communication system
  • Capability to send and receive data through a variety of communication channels
  • Ability to store and retrieve hundreds of hours of operational data within the system.

“Our helicopter customers need and expect secure connectivity in flight and on the ground; and those expectations will continue to grow,” said Astronautics President Chad Cundiff.

“Astronautics designed AGCS to be a robust, all-inclusive connectivity solution that has the capability to expand.  Moreover, with its hardware-partitioned access, AGCS provides secure avionics data to monitor aircraft health, along with multiple connectivity channels, and real-time weather, video, and data transmittal. The successful testing of AGCS engineering units validates the system’s innovative design and gives further evidence of our commitment to meeting our customer’s schedule,” Cundiff added.

An AGCS integration unit will be on Astronautics’ HAI HELI-EXPO 2018 stand along with an interactive demonstration tool highlighting the connectivity differentiators the system provides to both helicopter manufacturers and operators.

AGCS’ modular design is easily upgradeable and consists of an airborne communication server (AFS 6400), wireless connectivity module (AFS 6460), remote media device (AFS 6480), and ground-server software (GSS 6000), creating a complete air-to-ground, secure data transmission system.

To learn more about AGCS and its capabilities, visit Astronautics during the HAI HELI-EXPO on stand C5854.

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About Astronautics Corporation of America

Astronautics Corporation of America, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a global leader in the design, development, and manufacture of secure and reliable avionics equipment and systems for the commercial and military aerospace industry. Key product areas include electronic primary flight displays, engine displays, flight controls, mission computers, electronic flight bags, and certified servers for airborne applications. Services include system integration and custom software for critical applications. Since its founding in 1959, Astronautics has been providing trusted and tailored engineering solutions to enable manufacturers and operators achieve mission success.