• Military-grade, cyber-secure server provides onboard systems data loading and health checks

Farnborough, UK. 19 July 2024. Astronautics Corporation of America’s
Airborne Communication Server System (ACSS) has been selected as the cyber-secured
maintenance server for Airbus’ Tiger MkIII helicopter upgrade. The system can securely upload
data to the avionics and continuously download recorded data, both when the aircraft is on the
ground and in flight. The system also offers the ability to launch onboard systems checks and
retrieve health status reports without having to physically access the equipment or pull it from
the platform.

Using hardware-partitioned and domain-segregated architecture for ultimate data
security, along with continuous risk assessment and vulnerabilities analysis performed by
Astronautics’ cybersecurity assurance group, Astronautics is providing Airbus a heavily
ruggedized, secure, and custom solution derived from its successful AeroSync Max.

The contract award is for 102 shipsets including spares. The ACSS consists of two
onboard components: an Airborne Routing Computer (ARC) that interfaces with all avionics,
onboard devices, and ground tools; and a Remote Data Card Interface that interfaces with
removable media for uploading and downloading written content.

The ACSS supports key functions such as:

  •  Avionics system parameters acquisition and consolidation.
  • Downloading of usage, maintenance, and security logs data continuously while on
    ground and in flight.
  • Secured airborne ARINC 615A data loader function for maintenance of all equipment
    connected on Ethernet network and allowing the Field Loadable Software to be
    loaded into the connected equipment.
  •  Management of a removable media SD card.
  •  System back-up clock.
  •  Data repository access via a wired, connected device allowing the collection/insertion
    of data and the performance of equipment health checks. This interface also allows
    management of the ARC internal repository and equipment.

“After having widely deployed variants of this solution on many of Airbus’ civil
platforms, Astronautics is pleased to be able to support Airbus with secure data loading and data
export for their Tiger military helicopter,” said Tom Antczak, Astronautics’ senior program
manager of connected aircraft solutions. “We are confident that these secure and automated
features will enhance mission success by decreasing both pilot and maintenance workloads.”

Airbus’ Tiger MkIII rotorcraft is a four-blade, twin-engine attack helicopter. For more information regarding Astronautics’ connectivity, display, and systems integration solutions, visit us at Hall 2, Booth 2031 during the Farnborough International Airshow, July 22-25, 2024, in England,