General Dynamics C4 Systems will begin certification testing of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Capstone satellite communications control system program in Alaska.

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Prior to the establishment of this satellite-enabled system, pilots in Alaska were unable to be tracked by radar or receive critical flight information outside existing ground-based tracking and communication systems. According to the FAA, which authorized the certification, approximately 27% of the nation’s air carrier/commercial operator accidents occur in Alaska. However, the Iridium-based satellite communications system has demonstrated improved flight tracking and in-flight information and weather services for pilots flying in hazardous and remote regions of Alaska.

Launched as a commercial service in 2001, the Iridium satellite system provides global, mobile satellite voice and data solutions, covering the Earth (including oceans, airways and polar regions). Through a constellation of low-earth orbiting satellites, Iridium is able to deliver communications services to and from remote areas where terrestrial communications are not available.

"Certification testing for the FAA Capstone program is an important milestone in bringing the benefits of satellite communications to general and commercial aviation," said Ron Taylor, a vice president of General Dynamics in Scottsdale, Arizona. "Capstone’s new ground and satellite technologies have improved air safety by more than 40% in places such as Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwin Delta area, and this satellite complement could improve safety in other parts of the world as well," he adds.

It was in 2003 that the FAA’s Alaska Capstone Program Office awarded General Dynamics C4 Systems with a contract. The objective was to demonstrate a satellite-based solution to improve the effectiveness of its ground-based Capstone Communications Control System. Benefits of the satellite-based system include knowledge of aircraft position for quick location in a search and rescue situation and access to current and local weather information. The system also heightens situational awareness thereby reducing the potential for mid-air collisions.