International Communications Group's (ICG's) new NxtLink ICS-120A and ICS-220A devices, offering flight deck voice and DataLink services over Iridium, have successfully completed SITA's VHF AIRCOM Qualification (VAQ) testing in Montreal, and have been approved for use on the SITA network. In order to be validated and qualified to send Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) and other Datalink messages over its network, SITA requires satcom systems to pass its VAQ test and compliance procedures. Both the single channel ICS-120A and dual-channel ICS-220A models were approved. These ICG devices are developed and certified to equally serve the Air Transport and Executive Jet markets with flight safety communications capabilities.

"Achieving this mandated approval is important for us," said Armin Jabs, ICG Chief Operations Officer. "It validates that our systems operate as required over the SITA network and provides Air Transport and business aviation customers with an assurance that they meet the industry standards for certification and installation on their aircraft."

ICG's ICS- 120A dual transceiver device incorporates a single Iridium transceiver (LBT) and a Short Burst Data (SBD) modem and provides connections to customary and standard flight deck voice and data systems for both AOC and ATS services. It's the logical choice for flight decks that desire MCDU dialing services with direct audio connections via an audio control panel to flight crew headsets. The NxtLink ICS-220A is a three-transceiver device which combines dual LBTs providing two channels of global voice with an SBD modem dedicated to DataLink services. Both the 120A and 220A devices offer pre-emption and priority features to permit the flight crew to always access a channel. Both systems support both Future Air Navigation System (FANS) and Controller Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC) messaging as well as Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) requirements. Both devices operate with ICG's new external SIM card and configuration storage module, permitting the devices to be true Line Replaceable Units (LRUs).