International Communications Group (ICG) announced today that it has successfully completed the integration of its NxtLink 400 Iridium transceiver with the Universal Avionics Unilink UL-70x communication management unit (CMU). The NxtLink 400 combines four Iridium transceivers with an internal cabin telecommunications unit (CTU). Linked with the Universal UL-70x, it gives corporate aircraft operators the option of utilizing the Iridium satellite network through either Short Burst Data (SBD) or standard dial-up data service as well as the ability to access services such as Text or Graphical Weather, free-text messaging, position reporting and Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) related messaging. The NxtLink 400 supports both Arinc-429 digital data and standard RS-232 connectivity.

"Completing this integration will provide operators four channels of voice and data as well as offer the flexibility of being able to connect eight cabin handsets ," stated Jeff Saucedo, ICG's Vice President of Product Sales. "The NxtLink 400 is designed as a line replaceable unit (LRU) following the ARINC-600 standards. Because the entire solution is engineered into a single LRU, it is more cost effective, due to ease of installation. We expect the successful integration of this versatile unit with the UL-70x to significantly expand customers' usage for airborne connectivity," he added.

In March, ICG announced that it had completed integration of its NxtLink-200, -120 or -220 transceiver units with the Universal UL-70x. "The integration of all of these ICG units also introduces a forward path to support both cockpit and cabin data requirements and the emerging services of tomorrow's truly global Iridium satellite network, such as Future Air Navigation System (FANS) and the Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC) system," Saucedo pointed out at that time.