Wireless Airborne Data Recovery System

With the advanced airplane avionics and digital cockpits, the type and amount of data that can be recorded during an aircraft flight has increased dramatically. The ability to download data securely, wirelessly, with automatic or remote download control offers advantages such as the drastic elimination of wire runs or underground conduits, increased download efficiency , and reduced labor and safety risk to technical support personnel. The goal is to download 2 gigabits of data in 2 seconds with a minimum range of 2000 feet using technology from three companies with independent Phase II SBIR’s. Physical Optics Corporation (POC) will combine the functionality of a wireless download system with a Mission Data Loader (MDL) and Airborne Data Recorder (ADR) in one unit. Mayflower Communications will develop the proposed RAPID system to meet the wireless data downloading requirements associated with the current Airborne Data Recorder (ADR), POC ADR and the future Digital Video Recorder (DVR) on the T-45C aircraft. 3eTI will address the FIPS 140-2 wireless requirements of DoD directive 8500.1 and will design security to conform with the requirements of DoD 5200.40. 3eTI will be responsible for the ground interfaces and will host the OEM wireless system with its ground station.