Thales Avionics VHF Radio (VDR) passed the ARINC Avionics Qualification Policy (AQP) for VDL mode 2

From Feb. 13 to 16, 2001, Thales Avionics (formerly THOMSON-CSF SEXTANT) and ARINC successfully conducted VDL Mode 2 preliminary AQP tests. The tests were performed with a CMU simulator and the AOA (ACARS Over AVLC) / VDL mode 2 version of Thales Avionics' VHF Radio (EVR750-04).

This interoperability testing is one of the key element towards the certification process of the radio equipment and Thales Avionics VDL mode 2 radio met and exceeded in many cases the required specifications.

Now, Thales Avionics is ready to start the certification program with aircraft manufacturers and to answer to customers demand for VDL mode 2 entry into service.

The introduction of new technologies such as satellites and high speed data links is required to evolve from the current Air Traffic Control towards the CNS/ATM (Communication, Navigation, Surveillance / Air Traffic Management) environment.

VDL mode 2, as a high speed data link technology, is a key element to the CNS/ATM concept and will replace progressively the current VHF data link system (ACARS-Airborne Communications Addressing and Reporting System) as the primary air-ground data communication medium for Airlines Operational Communications (AOC) and Air Traffic Control both in Europe and in the United States.

Thales Avionics developed a complete new family of VHF Digital Radio (VDR) named Enhanced VHF Radio (EVR).

The EVR product range is based on a modular design that enables the equipment to support the current datalink communication systems (ACARS, mode A), the upcoming VDL mode 2 necessary for AOA (ACARS Over AVLC) and ATN (Aeronautical Telecommunication Network) and the future VDL mode 3 and VDL mode 4 technologies.

Thales participated actively in EUROCAE working groups to standardise VDL mode 2 mode of operations and Thales Avionics VDL mode 2 equipment have been evaluated by Eurocontrol in several flight trials.

In May 2000, and for the first time ever, successfull flight trials have been conducted by Airservices Australia, using Thales Avionics VDL mode 2 equipment to exchange ATN air-ground data.

Thales Avionics, the European leader and world-renowned partner in avionics and cabin electronics, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Thales, a world leader in professional electronics for civil and defense markets.

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