International Communications Group (ICG) and Rockwell Collins have successfully demonstrated the compatibility of ICG's NxtLink ICS-220A communication systems with Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion avionics that are the basis of the PlaneView250 ® flight deck on the Gulfstream G250. The three-channel ICS-220A has been developed and certified to equally serve the Air Transport and Executive Jet markets with flight deck Datalink Air Operations Center (AOC) and Air Traffic System (ATS) communications capabilities. The tests, which were conducted on July 29, utilized flight simulation equipment at Gulfstream's Integration Lab in Savannah and the Air Traffic Control Communications Testing Facility and Avionics System Test (ACTFAST) at Edwards Air Force Base, California to exercise the Controller Pilot Datalink Communications (CPDLC) and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Contract (ADS-C) functions of the G250's Pro Line Fusion avionics.

"Demonstrating the ICS-220A's compatibility, reliability and performance with this application is another important milestone in establishing ICG's versatility in conforming our technology to the needs of the diverse business aircraft marketplace," said Darren Emery, ICG's Director of Customer Service & Product Support. "The ICS- 220A provides a reliable and global satellite based network to G250 operators for their voice and datalink communications in both the cabin and on the flight deck. It offers capacity and quality that will permit operators to configure their aircraft to meet their specific travel needs, both domestically and internationally. Operators will be well positioned to take advantage of Future Air Navigation System (FANS) over Iridium (FOI) features as well as more standardized Global DataLink requirements, allowing them to fly more direct and exclusive FAN's flight tracks and to take advantage of the emerging reduced lateral separation minimums.

ICG's NxtLink ICS- 120A 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. 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 systems support Future Air Navigation System (FANS1/A), CPDLC and ADS-C messaging, as well as Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) requirements.The ICS-220A operates with ICG's new external CIM (Configuration Identification Module) which contains the Iridium SIM cards as well as the system configuration information, making it a true Line Replaceable Unit (LRU). For operators already outfitted with Inmarsat satcom or HFDL for Datalink services, ICG offers a Datalink only device the DL-100, which can be installed as an inexpensive alternative or as a restoration system for other communications devices.