FlightCell DZM

The Flightcell® DZM is a multi-link voice and data communications hub and GPS flight tracking module designed for permanent installation in any aircraft or vehicle with an intercom system.
 
The DZM includes distress support, point of interest reports, ground to air messaging, and custom reports including job numbers, POB and fuel remaining. Smart tracking algorithms deliver highly accurate tracks while minimising the number of reports. The DZM is a dual mode terminal, allowing use of cheaper cellular networks when appropriate, or Iridium satellite network when out of cellular coverage.
 
When fitted with an Iridium 9505 Satphone, the Flightcell delivers truly global coverage.
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The Flightcell DZM is a compact communication system providing voice, data, position and event transmission.

POWERFUL INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM

  • Integrates satellite and cellular communications into the aircraft intercom system (ICS), providing global point-to-point dial up communications.
  • Provides for transmission of a wide range of data, including position, event and status reports, manifests, etc.

SOPHISTICATED EVENT-BASED TRACKING SYSTEM

  • Flightcell’s adaptive tracking system provides accurate and timely position data which can be customized to meet users’ specific requirements.

RUGGED HARDWARE

  • Rugged environmentally sealed housing designed for operation in harsh conditions; the Flightcell DZM has been chosen by the US Government for use in desert conditions in Iraq and Afghanistan, and by the Colombian Air Force for jungle operation.
  • DZM system can be permanently installed on aircraft or provided as a carry-on kit.
  • Removable Iridium satellite phone handset provides operators with communications on and off the aircraft. This feature is especially valuable in remote area operation.

FLIGHTCELL DZM INSTALLATIONS

  • USAF – KC10 air refueling tankers.
  • USAF – New York Air National Guard C130 aircraft operating in Antarctic and Arctic.
  • US State Department, operating in Afghanistan.
  • US Army – command and control helicopters, Iraq.
  • Australian Antarctic Program.
  • Colombia – Flightcell has been chosen to build secure (encrypted) satellite voice, data and tracking communications hardware for the Colombian armed forces.
  • Commercial installations in:
    • New Zealand
    • Australia
    • USA
    • Canada
    • South Africa
    • Kenya
    • East Timor

HARDWARE

The Flightcell DZM is a very compact control system which is installed in an aircraft’s radio panel. Weighing only 730 grams, the DZM is well suited to rotary wing aircraft.
The DZM integrates audio from an Iridium handset (or other type of satellite phone and/or cell phone) into the aircraft ICS, and controls aircraft tracking and data transfer to/from the aircraft. The DZM provides the aircrew with fingertip control of all audio and tracking functions, while its NVG-compatible display can be used for system configuration and messaging.
The DZM is microprocessor controlled, allowing its firmware to be customized to meet specific user requirements.
The DZM typically transmits via an Iridium 9505A handset mounted in the Flightcell Iridium phone mount. This allows the satellite phone handset to be used via the DZM on the aircraft, or removed for use when the aircraft is not flying. The DZM can alternatively be supplied with a lower cost Iridium 9522A transceiver permanently mounted in the aircraft. The DZM can also interface a cell phone modem, providing an additional economic option for both voice communication and tracking data (where cellular coverage exists). The DZM is also available as a portable kit which can be installed in an aircraft in minutes.

ADAPTIVE TRACKING SYSTEM

The Flightcell DZM has a powerful tracking engine which provides for event-based position reporting.
Each DZM position transmission includes the current position, altitude, speed, heading and HDOP (Horizontal Dilution of Position, a measure of positional accuracy), plus three intermediate positions taken since the last report (“breadcrumbs”) which provide additional detail on the aircraft’s activities.
In normal flying, the DZM sends positions at operator-defined intervals of 1-60 minutes. If course changes by a specified number of degrees, positions are sent at a specified interval until the turn is completed.

The DZM also sends event-based or custom reports:

  • Takeoff and landing – for fixed wing aircraft, using a minimum ground speed threshold; for helicopters, using a combination of ground speed and a switch on the collective.
  • Waypoint – pressing the DZM’s Mark key sends the aircraft’s current position
  • Custom reporting – if this function is activated, pressing the Mark key sends a waypoint with a 2-digit code corresponding to a specific pre-designated message; the DZM confirms the message on its display, while TracPlus forwards the custom message to preset email or SMS destinations.
  • Automated Flight Following (AFF) – when the AFF key is pressed, TracPlus ’ AFF Bureau service is activated until this key is pressed again.
  • Distress – when the Distress key is pressed, the aircraft position is transmitted every minute, with distress messages handled and escalated by TracPlus monitoring personnel.
Additional custom reports can be programmed into the DZM. For example, location and timing of release of water from a fire bucket can be advised by connecting a single digital sensor on the fire bucket door to the DZM’s digital input.
 
The Flightcell DZM has powerful data transmission capability. With standard digital and analogue sensor inputs, a large microprocessor, and serial interfaces for connection of data buses or laptop computers , future data transmission requirements will require only firmware development.
 
Critical data can be transmitted dynamically, rather than downloading at the end of a mission.
 
Some data are generated by the DZM itself, while other data can be imported from external equipment and forwarded.

TRANSMISSION OPTIONS

The DZM is configured to send data using the following data channels:

  • SMS (text messages) – supported on Iridium satellite and cellular networks; Used to send small text or data messages (up to 160 bytes) to/from TracPlus and to/from satellite or cellular handsets.
  • Short burst data – Iridium satellite only; used to send data to pre-designated addresses. File size is flexible, up to 1.8KB per message
  • Dial-up data – cellular or satellite; used for continuous data connection, for example accessing the internet, checking email etc.

SMS TEXT MESSAGING

The DZM can send and receive text messages. Incoming messages can be shown on its LCD display or on attached laptop or PDA. Outgoing messages can be generated on an attached laptop or PDA.

PRE-CONFIGURED MESSAGES

The DZM can send position data with attached message codes, which are useful for status reports (e.g. location of fire; location of fire crew etc). The pilot presses the Mark key followed by a 2 digit code; the DZM then shows the selected message before transmission.

DATA FILE TRANSFER

The DZM can transfer data files via SBD (up to 1.9KB) or dial-up data. For example, the DZM is used by FESA in Western Australia to transmit detailed fire perimeter information live by SBD.

DATA FROM EXTERNAL SENSORS

The DZM is fitted with a limited number of analogue and digital sensors. Where data is required from multiple sensors, the DZM can be connected to a data bus or other specialized data collection hardware via its RS232 and RS422 interfaces.
Similarly, the DZM can collect and transmit data from specialized equipment such as fire bucket controllers (for example the AFS Controller from Advance Fire Solutions.

MISSION DATA AND MANIFESTS

The DZM provides a custom reporting function which transmits manually entered manifest data (mission, pilot ID. passengers on board, etc).