Vehicles go, but how do they stop? What components are involved in bringing a moving object to a halt? The answer lies within the aircraft braking system, specifically, brake calipers. Brake calipers play a crucial role in allowing your vehicle to stop and contribute to the overall safety of its operation. Understanding how they function can be essential in comprehending how the differing systems of your car.
Brake calipers are designed to fit over the brake rotor, with the brake pads being attached to the inside of the caliper. When the brake pedal is activated, brake fluid from the master cylinder creates hydraulic pressure that pushes the pistons in the brake caliper. The brake pads clamp down on the brake rotor to slow the car down or bring it to a complete stop. Because the rotor is attached to the wheels, they all slow down together.
There are two different types of calipers: fixed and floating. Fixed calipers are solidly mounted to a bracket, or spindle, with no sliding pins or bushings in its mount. The bracket is fastened to the rotor and typically consist of 2, 4, 6, or 8 pistons. There are an equal number of pistons on both the inboard and outboard halves of the caliper. When you apply pressure to the brakes, the pistons on both sides function in tandem and squeeze the pads against the side of the rotor. Fixed calipers provide a smoother braking feeling for the driver, which is why this type of caliper is found in performance and luxury vehicles.
Floating calipers have the ability to move. However, this movement is in and out, and is relative to the rotor. It consists of pistons on one side and slides back and forth on bushing, or pins, acting as a clamp. When the brakes are applied, the piston pushes the brake pad on the inward side against the rotor. The caliper then slides on the bushings and squeezes the outward pad against the rotor. This forces the caliper to clamp the rotor between the brake pads. Since the pistons are located on the inward side of the caliper, it provides better clearance to the wheel, as opposed to a fixed mount caliper. Floating calipers are generally cheaper in cost as they only use a single piston.
Brake calipers deteriorate over time, limiting their functionality as they age. Heat generated from the braking system inevitably wears them down which is why routine maintenance is vital. You should have your brakes checked if you experience one of the following:
Brake calipers are designed to fit over the brake rotor, with the brake pads being attached to the inside of the caliper. When the brake pedal is activated, brake fluid from the master cylinder creates hydraulic pressure that pushes the pistons in the brake caliper. The brake pads clamp down on the brake rotor to slow the car down or bring it to a complete stop. Because the rotor is attached to the wheels, they all slow down together.
There are two different types of calipers: fixed and floating. Fixed calipers are solidly mounted to a bracket, or spindle, with no sliding pins or bushings in its mount. The bracket is fastened to the rotor and typically consist of 2, 4, 6, or 8 pistons. There are an equal number of pistons on both the inboard and outboard halves of the caliper. When you apply pressure to the brakes, the pistons on both sides function in tandem and squeeze the pads against the side of the rotor. Fixed calipers provide a smoother braking feeling for the driver, which is why this type of caliper is found in performance and luxury vehicles.
Floating calipers have the ability to move. However, this movement is in and out, and is relative to the rotor. It consists of pistons on one side and slides back and forth on bushing, or pins, acting as a clamp. When the brakes are applied, the piston pushes the brake pad on the inward side against the rotor. The caliper then slides on the bushings and squeezes the outward pad against the rotor. This forces the caliper to clamp the rotor between the brake pads. Since the pistons are located on the inward side of the caliper, it provides better clearance to the wheel, as opposed to a fixed mount caliper. Floating calipers are generally cheaper in cost as they only use a single piston.
Brake calipers deteriorate over time, limiting their functionality as they age. Heat generated from the braking system inevitably wears them down which is why routine maintenance is vital. You should have your brakes checked if you experience one of the following:
- You notice the car jerking to one side when braking
- You hear a squeaking or squealing
- Leaky brake fluid
- Your brake pedal feels too stiff or too weak
- The antilock braking system warning light appears
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Helicopters typically have a 14- or 28-volt direct current electrical system. A volt is a unit of measurement that expresses the capability of the force that pushes electrical energy. Amperes are the unit of measurement for a current and describe the measure of an electrical quantity that is available in the system. Small piston-powered helicopters use an engine driven alternator because they are light, low maintenance, and produce a uniform electric output— even at low RPMs. In a turbine powered helicopter, starter/ generator systems are used. Once the engine is started, the battery powers the starter, which turns the engine. After this initial jump, the generator is powered by the engine.
A voltage regulator is used to distribute the electrical supply; it prevents excessive voltage, which can cause damage to various electrical components. After the electricity is passed through the voltage regulator, it goes to a bus bar, which then distributes the current to different electrical components. The battery is mostly used to start the engine, but also powers a few things when the engine isn’t running— such as radios and lights— and is a good emergency electrical power source. An ammeter is used to monitor the electrical current flowing to and from the battery. An ammeter that is charging represents the fact that the battery is charging while a discharging ammeter indicates that the electrical load is exceeding the output of the alternator or the starter generator of a helicopter.
Electrical components can be selected through electrical switches. If the capacity of the switch is exceeded, a solid state relay may be used. When an electrical component is overloaded, a circuit breaker will pop out. A fuse will burn out when it’s overloaded and can be easily replaced. Caution lights may also be utilized to display when there is an electrical component malfunctioning.
A voltage regulator is used to distribute the electrical supply; it prevents excessive voltage, which can cause damage to various electrical components. After the electricity is passed through the voltage regulator, it goes to a bus bar, which then distributes the current to different electrical components. The battery is mostly used to start the engine, but also powers a few things when the engine isn’t running— such as radios and lights— and is a good emergency electrical power source. An ammeter is used to monitor the electrical current flowing to and from the battery. An ammeter that is charging represents the fact that the battery is charging while a discharging ammeter indicates that the electrical load is exceeding the output of the alternator or the starter generator of a helicopter.
Electrical components can be selected through electrical switches. If the capacity of the switch is exceeded, a solid state relay may be used. When an electrical component is overloaded, a circuit breaker will pop out. A fuse will burn out when it’s overloaded and can be easily replaced. Caution lights may also be utilized to display when there is an electrical component malfunctioning.
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Helicopters fly using the same aerodynamic concepts that airplanes use; they use an airfoil to generate lift. The difference is that helicopters generate vertical thrust while aircraft generate horizontal thrust. When an airplane moves forward, the air flows across the wing and produces downwash which creates lift; the airplane has to gain enough speed for this force to overcome weight. When helicopter blades, or airfoils, begin spinning, it produces downwash which then creates lift. Speed is an important factor in generating enough force to overcome the weight in a helicopter as well. Vertical thrust allows a helicopter to take off vertically and hover.
Most helicopters use gas turbine engines over piston engines (reciprocating engines), but most modern helicopters use turboshaft engines. Turboshaft engines differ from turbojet engines in that they do not utilize exhaust to create thrust. Their main function is to generate shaft power which is used to run the rotor. Shaft power is transferred from the turbine blades. High pressure gas created in the combustion chamber is the force that rotates the turbine blades.
The upper swashplate and the rotor blade system is attached to the rotor shaft, or mast, and they all begin rotating at the same time. A helicopter is controlled by the pilot with a collective, cyclic, two pedals, and the throttle. The collective is used to control the swashplate, which adjusts the blade pitch equally. A swashplate has two plates: one rotates with the rotor and one is fixed. A bearing is between the two plates. The upper plate is connected to the blades with a pitch change arm. The lower plate is connected to hydraulic servos which can raise, lower, or tilt the plate. Once this occurs, the pitch of the blades shift.
The collective control in the cockpit raises and lowers the swashplate and the cyclic control tilts the swashplate. These changes allow the pilot to steer the helicopter. Another rotor is added to a helicopter to counteract torque. This may be a coaxial rotor, which is attached to the same mast as the first rotor, or a tail rotor. The pedals allow the pilot to control the tail rotor. The pedals change the pitch of the tail rotor blades which control the sideways thrust. This allows the pilot to change the direction of the nose of the helicopter. The throttle increases or decreases the engines speed and therefore allows the pilot to control the amount of lift generated. All of these components are used simultaneously to takeoff, hover, change directions, and land.
Most helicopters use gas turbine engines over piston engines (reciprocating engines), but most modern helicopters use turboshaft engines. Turboshaft engines differ from turbojet engines in that they do not utilize exhaust to create thrust. Their main function is to generate shaft power which is used to run the rotor. Shaft power is transferred from the turbine blades. High pressure gas created in the combustion chamber is the force that rotates the turbine blades.
The upper swashplate and the rotor blade system is attached to the rotor shaft, or mast, and they all begin rotating at the same time. A helicopter is controlled by the pilot with a collective, cyclic, two pedals, and the throttle. The collective is used to control the swashplate, which adjusts the blade pitch equally. A swashplate has two plates: one rotates with the rotor and one is fixed. A bearing is between the two plates. The upper plate is connected to the blades with a pitch change arm. The lower plate is connected to hydraulic servos which can raise, lower, or tilt the plate. Once this occurs, the pitch of the blades shift.
The collective control in the cockpit raises and lowers the swashplate and the cyclic control tilts the swashplate. These changes allow the pilot to steer the helicopter. Another rotor is added to a helicopter to counteract torque. This may be a coaxial rotor, which is attached to the same mast as the first rotor, or a tail rotor. The pedals allow the pilot to control the tail rotor. The pedals change the pitch of the tail rotor blades which control the sideways thrust. This allows the pilot to change the direction of the nose of the helicopter. The throttle increases or decreases the engines speed and therefore allows the pilot to control the amount of lift generated. All of these components are used simultaneously to takeoff, hover, change directions, and land.
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ATA chapters are highly valuable to aircraft repair stations. Each code is designated to a specific part of the aircraft. These codes were originally made by the Air Transport Association (ATA) in 1956; they have seen been adopted by all major airlines and OEMs. The ATA chapters are designed with 3 sets of two-digit numbers, typically in an AB-CD-EF format. The first two digits are the most important.
Full ATA chapter codes for each part is created by the individual OEM, but they must follow the standard format and traditional number designation of the first two numbers. However, beyond that nothing else is specified by any authority except the OEM. For example, ATA chapter 29 is hydraulics. So, all ATA chapter codes starting with 29 must be hydraulic parts. The remaining four can be anything, which can cause confusion because there can be overlap in ATA chapter codes from one OEM. For example, Satair has 29-10-02 for a solenoid operated 3-way hydraulic directional control valve while Sitec Aerospace has 29-10-02 listed under a 2/2-way manual bleed valve.
ATA chapters are important because major airlines will designate certain ATA chapters to repair buyers. This process allows each repair buyer to become an expert and specialize with the chapter— knowing anything and everything for that chapter, which is important for building trust and having a go-to person for all those needs. This also solves the issue of accidentally buying the wrong part number, because each repair station will be very knowledgeable of the part and any possible overlaps, streamlining the entire process.
Some examples of what an ATA chapter may consist are:
Full ATA chapter codes for each part is created by the individual OEM, but they must follow the standard format and traditional number designation of the first two numbers. However, beyond that nothing else is specified by any authority except the OEM. For example, ATA chapter 29 is hydraulics. So, all ATA chapter codes starting with 29 must be hydraulic parts. The remaining four can be anything, which can cause confusion because there can be overlap in ATA chapter codes from one OEM. For example, Satair has 29-10-02 for a solenoid operated 3-way hydraulic directional control valve while Sitec Aerospace has 29-10-02 listed under a 2/2-way manual bleed valve.
ATA chapters are important because major airlines will designate certain ATA chapters to repair buyers. This process allows each repair buyer to become an expert and specialize with the chapter— knowing anything and everything for that chapter, which is important for building trust and having a go-to person for all those needs. This also solves the issue of accidentally buying the wrong part number, because each repair station will be very knowledgeable of the part and any possible overlaps, streamlining the entire process.
Some examples of what an ATA chapter may consist are:
- ATA chapter 25: Equipment/Furnishings: Coffee makers, water heater, crew seats, dual cavity ovens
- ATA chapter 26: Fire protection: Smoke detectors, fire harness
- ATA chapter 28: Fuel: Pumps, Panels, fuel heaters, fuel shutoff valve
- ATA chapter 32: Landing Gear: Actuators, control valves, sensors, brake manifolds.
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The aviation industry has seen a massive increase in recent years, with people flying now more than ever. But, like with all industries, it is sensitive to the ups and downs of the economy. So, airlines are increasingly finding themselves embracing a more financially driven corporate culture. Below are 5 key trends that will shape commercial airliners.
- Capacity Management- With the objective of increasing the profitability per passenger, airlines will invest in right-sized aircraft based on market demands. Overcapacity reduces per-passenger yields. While serving a lot of passengers in one-go sounds attractive, filling seats on larger aircraft usually means selling seats at extremely discounted rates, leading to low-profit margins.
- Intra-regional Routes- Intra-regional travel dominates the market and represents 80% of global air travel in 2016. But, they’re currently being serviced by older fleets and forfeiting potential per-passenger profits. By servicing these popular routes better accommodations, airliners can charge more per passenger, increasing profit margins.
- Smaller Aircraft- Smaller aircraft are the key to unlocking new routes. There are many areas with vast potential for growth but have been ignored in favor of larger metropolitan hubs and coasts. For example, South Asian can develop new routes from 650 in 2006 to over 1,200 by 2026, tapping into new markets. It’s cheaper to maintain and service smaller aircraft, not to mention, they’re easier to fill.
- Prioritizing Profit Per Passenger- Airline profitability will increase by prioritizing profit-per-passenger over cost-per-seat. Congestion and a focus on cost-per-seat generally leads to poor passenger experiences which leads to overall low-profit margins. Using right-sized aircraft will offer better pitch and seat width, allowing airliners to charge sustainable fares for improved and increased services.
- Fleet Replacement- Replacing aging fleets with more modern, fuel-efficient, and right-sized aircraft will help airlines plan for long-term profitability. Fuel efficiency saves money as is, but right-sized aircraft will also allow airliners to penetrate the 100 to 150 seat segment.
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Aircraft superchargers are an important part of aircraft engines. As an aircraft reaches higher altitudes, there is less air pressure and air density, so a piston engine no longer is enough to power the aircraft. That’s where superchargers come in.
Superchargers are engine-driven air pumps or compressors that provide compressed air to the engine, which then provide additional pressure to allow the piston engine to produce more power. A normal piston engine cannot have a manifold pressure higher than atmospheric pressure on its own, but with a supercharger, we can increase the pressure inside manifold by 30 “Hg. This is especially useful to aircraft engines as air density is about 50% that of sea level or less at high altitudes. Superchargers could supply air to the engine at the same density at an altitude of 18,000 ft. as at sea level. The addition of a supercharger to a system doesn’t change much. The supercharger is placed between the fuel metering device and the intake manifold and driven by the engine through a gear train at one, two, or variable speeds. Superchargers also can have one or more stages, each of which provides an increase in pressure. They may be classified by their number of stages and their speeds.
Superchargers are engine-driven air pumps or compressors that provide compressed air to the engine, which then provide additional pressure to allow the piston engine to produce more power. A normal piston engine cannot have a manifold pressure higher than atmospheric pressure on its own, but with a supercharger, we can increase the pressure inside manifold by 30 “Hg. This is especially useful to aircraft engines as air density is about 50% that of sea level or less at high altitudes. Superchargers could supply air to the engine at the same density at an altitude of 18,000 ft. as at sea level. The addition of a supercharger to a system doesn’t change much. The supercharger is placed between the fuel metering device and the intake manifold and driven by the engine through a gear train at one, two, or variable speeds. Superchargers also can have one or more stages, each of which provides an increase in pressure. They may be classified by their number of stages and their speeds.
For example, single-stage, single-speed superchargers, also known as sea-level superchargers, use a single gear-driven impeller to increase the power produced by an engine at all altitudes. Single-stage, two-speed superchargers use a single impeller that can operate at two-speed settings, low blower, and high blower. When the aircraft takes off, the aircraft supercharger is in the low blower, but when the aircraft reaches a certain altitude, power is reduced, and the supercharger is switched to the high blower. Then the throttle is reset to the desired manifold pressure, and the flight is maintained.
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Jet Engines revolutionized air travel since their inception the late 1930s. These amazing aircraft engines were so powerful they were capable of outpace, maneuver, and just downright outperform any other plane before it by an extraordinary margin. They completely changed the way wars, travel, and deliveries were handled after their inception. Travelling on jet engine powered planes, we are all familiar with the baggage travelling has, however, before jet engines it took 25 hours to fly from Los Angeles to New York. Today, people save time and even have much interest in what the jet engine made possible they go to air shows showcasing the extraordinary abilities of these aircraft equipped with jet engines. The maneuvers and speeds these aircraft achieve is incredible.
But how do these incredible engines work? Jet engines get their power from thrust. Thrust is achieved by consuming extraordinary amounts of air that is brought into the engine by aircraft propellers that spin at a very fast rate. In today’s jet engines, the fan alone can produce nearly 90% of the thrust. After the fans get up to speed, the engines compressor compresses the air to make it ready to be introduced to the fuel and be ignited. Once fuel is added to the compressed air, the mixture becomes very unstable and a spark ignites the mixture, then all the air and fire is blown out at extremely high thrust pressures.
But how do these incredible engines work? Jet engines get their power from thrust. Thrust is achieved by consuming extraordinary amounts of air that is brought into the engine by aircraft propellers that spin at a very fast rate. In today’s jet engines, the fan alone can produce nearly 90% of the thrust. After the fans get up to speed, the engines compressor compresses the air to make it ready to be introduced to the fuel and be ignited. Once fuel is added to the compressed air, the mixture becomes very unstable and a spark ignites the mixture, then all the air and fire is blown out at extremely high thrust pressures.
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The Diesel Powered Cessna Skyhawk JT-A was a certified a year ago and now Textron Aviation has discreetly discontinued the production of it, even though initially it was believed to be a powerful contender for intercontinental flight schools working in locations where the price or availability of avgas made it an apparently reasonable choice. Textron Aviation Inc did not provide a clear reason for this decision, which came after the current discontinuation of the Cessna TTX high – performance single. Moreover, Skylane JT-A was an abandoned project, as the diesel model never entered production.
Skyhawk earned its FAA and EASA certification documentation in June 2017, has been removed from the Cessna Aircraft manufacturer website. The JT-A prototype was under engine maker Continental’s STC approval, and customers can still select that route if they would like to transfigure a Skyhawk to the CD-155 diesel engine after taking delivery. Cessna has been aiming to provide Jet-A powered piston singles starting 10 years ago, when it arranged to initiate a variant of the Skyhawk powered by a Thielert engine. Subsequently, the company filled bankruptcy and as a result Continental Motors acquired its assets in 2013.
In 2012, Cessna inaugurated a prototype Skylane supplied by an SMA diesel engine, but the official documents delay caused the annulation of the program in 2015. Cost appears to be the predominant element in steady sales to the diesel Skyhawk and eventually led to its disintegration. After Cessna decided to stop its production of diesel aircraft, there are two principal opponents in the industry: Piper and Diamond Aircraft, which offer diverse compression – ignition engine models. On the international training market scale, the Piper Archer DX and Diamond DA40 NG are the organizations’ entry level diesel model.
Skyhawk earned its FAA and EASA certification documentation in June 2017, has been removed from the Cessna Aircraft manufacturer website. The JT-A prototype was under engine maker Continental’s STC approval, and customers can still select that route if they would like to transfigure a Skyhawk to the CD-155 diesel engine after taking delivery. Cessna has been aiming to provide Jet-A powered piston singles starting 10 years ago, when it arranged to initiate a variant of the Skyhawk powered by a Thielert engine. Subsequently, the company filled bankruptcy and as a result Continental Motors acquired its assets in 2013.
In 2012, Cessna inaugurated a prototype Skylane supplied by an SMA diesel engine, but the official documents delay caused the annulation of the program in 2015. Cost appears to be the predominant element in steady sales to the diesel Skyhawk and eventually led to its disintegration. After Cessna decided to stop its production of diesel aircraft, there are two principal opponents in the industry: Piper and Diamond Aircraft, which offer diverse compression – ignition engine models. On the international training market scale, the Piper Archer DX and Diamond DA40 NG are the organizations’ entry level diesel model.
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SkyWest is considered one of the major airlines of the United States and it was founded in 1972 with headquarters in St. George, Utah. It is also the largest regional airline in North America judged by fleet size, the number of passengers carried, and a number of destinations served. Established 48 years ago as a Brazilian aerospace conglomerate with headquarters in São José dos Campos, São Paulo State., Embraer Aircraft develops commercial, military, executive and agricultural aircraft and provides aeronautical industrial services.
SkyWest Airlines’ newest regional jet gave the impression of lacking unusual or special aspects comparing with Embraer 175. Both are indistinguishable. But the most recent addition to SkyWest’s fleet is, in fact, Embraer’s most recent designed E175-SC, a remarkable configuration influenced by the E175 that carries 70 seats, not the classic load of 76. SkyWest gets a delivery of an aircraft with registration M262SY, which is first E175-SC on 13th March publicized it. Utah-based SkyWest Inc. has orders for 14 more of the type.
SkyWest Airlines’ newest regional jet gave the impression of lacking unusual or special aspects comparing with Embraer 175. Both are indistinguishable. But the most recent addition to SkyWest’s fleet is, in fact, Embraer’s most recent designed E175-SC, a remarkable configuration influenced by the E175 that carries 70 seats, not the classic load of 76. SkyWest gets a delivery of an aircraft with registration M262SY, which is first E175-SC on 13th March publicized it. Utah-based SkyWest Inc. has orders for 14 more of the type.
"The E175-SCs are configured in a 70-seat layout and will be operating as Delta Connection," SkyWest tweeted.
The SkyWest Aircraft is the introductory E175-SC provided by Embraer to any airline, and Embraer confirms that SkyWest is the only consumer. "Embraer is in discussions with other airlines about the E175-SC," it adds. Embraer Aircraft revealed the E175-SC last year in September when it publicized that SkyWest placed an order for 15 of the type. Charlie Hills, Embraer’s head of North America sales and marketing said that they started developing the derivate because it mostly concluded manufacturing its dedicated 70-seat aircraft, the E170."The biggest opportunity, we believe, is the 70-seat market. There are over 300 70-seaters in the market in North America today," Hillis said in September.
"Many of those are old and need to be replaced. We have the perfect tool for that."
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Established 112 years ago, Honeywell International Inc is an American company that produces a diversity of commercial and consumer products, engineering services and aerospace systems for worldwide customers. More, Honeywell is a Fortune 100 company.
On 26th March, in Phoenix, Honeywell published that it will provide business jet, airline and helicopter operators with improved connectivity alternatives due to the inauguration of the Aspire 150 and Aspire 350 satellite communications systems. Aspire 150 and 350 will allow pilots to sustain the latest information throughout their flight path, and operations will be capable of using this Connected Aircraft technology to encounter global, without seams high – speed connectivity in a compact, lightweight solution. The Aspire 150 and Aspire 350 systems are easy to install, reducing upgrade costs and aircraft downtime. Both Aspire systems have a smaller size comparing to previous generations and have an implanted router, which helps decrease weight and increases fuel savings.
Iridium Certus services, Iridium’s upcoming generation communications program, and Iridium NEXT network will be improved due to the recently developed Aspire systems. The launch of Iridium NEXT is scheduled to be completed in 2018 and it is considered to be one of the biggest technology upgrades ever completed in space while replacing the existing Iridium network to fulfill the growing requirement for global mobile communications. Iridium’s Certus services purpose is to reduce the costs by up to 30 percent in contrast with legacy satellite communications benefactions. Moreover, Future Air Navigation system datalink for pilots (FANS) is supported by Aspire 350 in order to take benefits of favorite routing worldwide, and satellite voice abilities.
On 26th March, in Phoenix, Honeywell published that it will provide business jet, airline and helicopter operators with improved connectivity alternatives due to the inauguration of the Aspire 150 and Aspire 350 satellite communications systems. Aspire 150 and 350 will allow pilots to sustain the latest information throughout their flight path, and operations will be capable of using this Connected Aircraft technology to encounter global, without seams high – speed connectivity in a compact, lightweight solution. The Aspire 150 and Aspire 350 systems are easy to install, reducing upgrade costs and aircraft downtime. Both Aspire systems have a smaller size comparing to previous generations and have an implanted router, which helps decrease weight and increases fuel savings.
Iridium Certus services, Iridium’s upcoming generation communications program, and Iridium NEXT network will be improved due to the recently developed Aspire systems. The launch of Iridium NEXT is scheduled to be completed in 2018 and it is considered to be one of the biggest technology upgrades ever completed in space while replacing the existing Iridium network to fulfill the growing requirement for global mobile communications. Iridium’s Certus services purpose is to reduce the costs by up to 30 percent in contrast with legacy satellite communications benefactions. Moreover, Future Air Navigation system datalink for pilots (FANS) is supported by Aspire 350 in order to take benefits of favorite routing worldwide, and satellite voice abilities.
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