NEWPORT NEWS, VA (October 9, 2014) ICG (International Communications Group, Inc.) and Chicago Jet Group (CJG) announced that they have received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the installation of ICG’s “best in class” eRouter aircraft data management system on a Dassault Falcon 900 business jet. ICG has also been granted Parts Manufacturing Authority (PMA) for its ERT-120, which offers enhanced cabin connectivity and high speed data transfer using acceleration and compression software.
The eRouter provides airborne connectivity for Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs), passenger PCs, tablets, smartphones and other IP devices with the convenience and efficiency found in typical corporate office networks. The eRouter is the smallest and lightest certified product in its class and provides access to multiple communications networks such as Inmarsat, Swift Broadband (SBB), Ku/Ka, Iridium and other networks.
“We designed the eRouter with a modular architecture that makes it easy to expand its capabilities and adapt to varied systems and advancing technologies,” explained Brad Smith, ICG’s Executive Vice President.
Using in-flight satellite-based connectivity for Internet and Intranet access, the eRouter can be configured as a Wireless Access Point (WAP) for devices requiring Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) services. Alternatively, it can be configured as a client to provide connectivity to ground based wireless networks while on the ramp. Once connected, eRouter users will be able to communicate with multiple Local Area Networks (LANs) or Wide Area Network (WAN) clients, allowing the aircraft to be included in the office-based network and users to have peer-to-peer access to each other whenever service is available.
In addition to Wi-Fi connectivity, the eRouter offers PTCRB certified 4G LTE GSM (global system for mobile) cellular service that can be used for data transfers when the aircraft is on the ground. The eRouter manages connectivity for all cabin crew, flight deck and aircraft system data communication requirements. In addition to this industry certification for global cellular service ICG has eliminated the potential risk of patent infringement through a license agreement that is included with the purchase of every eRouter unit.
“The eRouter’s modular architecture also reduces costs by offering operators only those services they might currently require, yet providing a forward upgrade path for future and emerging requirements,” Smith said. “It has a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that allows operators to install updates in the field and permits many configuration options and flexibility to tailor the functionality to an operator’s specific needs.”
Chicago Jet Group completed the installation of the eRouter system on the Falcon 900 series aircraft at its Chicago/Aurora facility. “We are extremely comfortable and experienced working with Chicago Jet Group on these installations. They do an exceptional job of integrating our top of the line technology into existing platforms to provide customers with unparalleled capabilities and services. We are extremely pleased with this installation and know that customers who order it will find it to be the standard by which the competition will be measured,” Smith added.
