Becker Avionics Digital Intercommunication System (ICS) Installed in North American Rockwell OV-10 Broncos

June 14, 2013
The Becker DVCS replaces the legacy audio system in the aircraft and provided a much needed modern ICS upgrade for these aircraft.

Becker Avionics' DVCS6100 digital airborne audio control system was recently installed in two (2) North American Rockwell OV-10 Bronco turboprop aircraft. The Becker DVCS replaces the legacy audio system in the aircraft and provided a much needed modern ICS upgrade for these aircraft.

The Becker DVCS6100 was chosen by the customer because of its unique ability to effectively manage and control all audio sources in the aircraft. Becker's Digital multi-channel audio and intercom system, with its software configurable profiles, provides the flexibility to specifically customize the system to meet the demanding operational requirements of their operation.

The North American Rockwell OV-10 Bronco aircraft platform was originally designed as a turboprop light attack and observation aircraft. It was developed in the 1960s as a special aircraft for counter-insurgency (COIN) combat, and one of its primary missions was as a forward air control (FAC) aircraft. The aircraft was used by the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, as well as the Air Force of Colombia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Venezuela, Germany, Morocco, and Lebanon. In addition NASA, the U.S. Department of State Air Wing, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and CALFIRE operated or still operate OV-10 aircraft.

Today, the OV-10 Bronco is still used by a number of operators and countries for specialized missions, such as training, firefighting, aerial asset coordination, drug interdiction and eradication efforts, research programs and reconnaissance.  With a crew of two, the DVCS6100 is an ideal retrofit solution as it provides tandem pilot/observer capability with flexible configurations.

Brett Gardner, with Becker Avionics stated, "We're excited to announce that the DVCS6100 was selected to replace the legacy intercom system installed in these unique OV-10 Bronco's. It will significantly enhance the mission capabilities of the aircraft by enabling more effective management of multiple radio assets during air operations. Additionally, it will help enhance the customer's mission safety by providing a quieter, more noise free intercommunications environment in the aircraft."

About the DVCS6100

The DVCS6100 design provides each customer with ability to match a wide range of operational requirements with only one system. The built-in scalability and flexibility reduces not only the cost and time requirements for constant re-engineering and certification for a tailored system solution, but also reduces the learning curve for integration, maintenance and troubleshooting time. Through software programming options, the system is both easily and quickly configurable to individual customer requirements, thus saving time and money.

The DVCS' open system architecture technology provides for operational comfort and superior voice quality, ensuring that almost any customer requirement can be met, while providing crystal clear communication for crew and passengers.

The state-of-the-art Digital DVCS6100 will enhance the effectiveness of any aerial platform. When compared to a legacy analog audio system, Digital technology provides simplified installation, improved performance, reduced wiring and weight, along with reduced installation and maintenance costs. Furthermore, the comprehensive built-in-test (BIT) feature enables line maintenance crews to easily diagnose/isolate failures and to replace system components quickly.

No matter what type of mission; from utility, to airborne law enforcement, passenger transport, and surveillance or utility operations, the Becker Digital Audio system ensures a more modern and capable aerial platform. At Becker, the focus is on meeting individual requirements with the highest commitment to technology, quality products, and customer satisfaction.  

DVCS6100 Digital Audio System Features

The DVCS6100 has been designed for both rotary and fixed-wing applications. The product fully reflects Becker Avionics' proven know-how of more than four decades in audio system development for the aerospace industry. Since the market introduction of the 1st DVCS generation, over 1,100 systems have been delivered, with all achieving outstanding field reliability. The company's continuous product improvement program has made the DVCS6100 another Becker success story.

Becker's Digital Audio technology is superior to any analog ICS technology, as it offers crystal-clear voice communication quality, a proven Man-Machine-Interface (MMI), outstanding reliability, scalability and flexibility, and is software configurable. The main system components of the DVCS6100 system are the Remote Electronic Unit (REU) 6100, the Audio Control Unit (ACU) 6100, and the optional Intercom Amplifier IC3100.

The product offers up to 8 communication transmit (TX) and up to 8 receiver (RX) channels, an integrated warning tone generator for up to 8 different signals, an amplifier for 2 cockpit speakers, as well as interface capability for 2 Cockpit Voice Recorders (CVR), and a Public Address Amplifier (PA). It is also the only commercial digital audio product available that can provide simulcast capability on 8 channels, along with a radio relay function, and emergency and slaved mode operation. 

Up to 6 audio control units (ACUs) can be operated together with one REU. Each unit can be configured with the included software to give complete adjustments across different on-board systems. The system also meets the highest standards for night operation under NVG and military conditions. The DVCS6100 represents a unique mission support tool that easily outperforms the competition.

Becker Avionics' DVCS6100 provides 'best in class' ICS performance - Becker-the market leader in commercial Digital intercom systems.

About Becker Avionics

Becker Avionics is a privately held high-tech company that develops, manufactures and distributes the latest communications, navigation, surveillance and search & rescue equipment for airborne and ground applications. 

Becker Avionics has a longstanding history of over 50 years in providing equipment to General and Corporate Aviation, ATC, law enforcement and military organizations around the world. In order to support international market requirements the Company has established branches around the world. Becker Avionics supports an extensive customer base, such as, but not limited to Eurocopter, EADS, Airbus, Bell Helicopter, British Aerospace, ATR, CASA, RUAG, Xi'an Aircraft Corporation, AgustaWestland, Pilatus, German Air Force, Navy and Army, German Border Patrol, German Police, Austrian Army and Police, Swiss Air Force, Dutch Police, Security Civil, Irish Air Corps, Egyptian Navy, Indonesian Navy, Portuguese Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and U.S. Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol, etc. 

For more information see:

www.beckerusa.com or http://www.beckerusa.com/dvcs/