International Communications Group (ICG) today announced the introduction of the new ICS-400 Iridium Communications System designed to provide a standalone comprehensive suite of global voice and data services with connectivity to other aircraft systems.

The ICS-400 incorporates four Iridium transceivers and an internal cabin telecommunications unit (CTU). It provides the full range of CTU functions, including intercom calling, call transfer, conferencing, follow-on dialing and voice prompts, using standard dialing conventions and familiar call-progress tones. It also includes ARINC-429 connections and a dedicated short-burst data (SBD) modem for ACARS/AFIS services, and a built-in GPS to support automatic flight following (AFF).

"The ICS-400 is an ideal solution for aircraft requiring no more than eight telephony connections and seamless global connectivity with no hand-offs or areas without coverage," said Armin Jabs, president of ICG. 

The system can be connected to conventional telephony devices or legacy CTU systems through standard 2-Wire "tip and ring" circuits, 4-Wire audio connections or digital CEPT-E1 circuits. It can be interfaced with installed MagnaStar systems to permit Iridium calls through Mach-1 handsets.