International Communications Group (ICG) today announced the introduction of the first Iridium satellite-based messaging solution offering ACARS (Aircraft Communication Addressing and Reporting System), weather graphics and other conventional data link services.

The ICG satellite ACARS solution offers business aviation aircraft operators, and air transport carriers a truly seamless two-way messaging service with complete pole-to-pole worldwide coverage (including areas where VHF ACARS is unavailable) using the Iridium network of low-earth orbiting satellites.

By adhering to the ARINC 741 specification, integration of aircraft ARINC 429 circuitry and operations internal to the ICG Iridium products, flight crews can send and receive standard data link messages, without the inconvenience of implementing new procedures, installation of additional devices onboard the aircraft or the use of third party terrestrial servers. ICG's data link services will be compatible with operations of the traditional data link service providers.

ICG plans to implement the satellite data link solution as a software and hardware upgrade on the company's ICS-200 airborne Iridium communications system. It will be available December 2005. The system complies with the ARINC 618 and 620 specifications for ACARS protocols and messaging.

"For the first time, flight crews can have a truly global messaging service direct to the flight deck control-display unit (CDU)," said Armin Jabs, president of ICG. "Our flexible satellite ACARS solution will support a wide range of messaging, including automatic downlinking of flight data, time and position reports, OOOI messages and uplinks of weather graphics."

Introduced to the market in 2003, the ICS-200 incorporates dual Iridium transceivers with an internal cabin telecommunications unit (CTU), providing a standalone, comprehensive communication system that operates over a single coax and Iridium antenna. It provides the full range of CTU functions, including intercom calling, call transfer, three-way conferencing, executive override and follow-on dialing.