The Flight Data Systems Ecosystem

Flight Data Systems, based in Melbourne, Australia, has over three decades of flight data expertise. Today, Flight Data Systems is a 360-degree end-to-end flight data solutions provider, offering a full spectrum of products and solutions.

In 2004, Flight Data Systems began designing analysis software and signal conditioning technologies, which progressed to ground support equipment, quick access recorders (QAR), and flight data acquisition units. In 2019, the company released the SENTRY, a SWaP-optimized cockpit voice and flight data recorder designed with modern Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) technology utilized without a processor.

After years of development, Flight Data Systems has developed a true ecosystem of flight data solutions to help operators transform raw data into impactful and insightful information to optimize their fleet management.

Acquire

Flight Data Systems’ small and lightweight Modular Acquisition Units (MAUs) and Remote Data Concentrators (RDCs) allow for data collection at the source. These units support a wide range of digital and analog signals including ARINC 429, synchros, frequency/tachometer, and discretes. Capable of up to 24 channels per expansion module, operators can streamline data collection through these unique devices to reduce aircraft wiring. In addition, these data acquisition units also provide cost-effective mechanisms to increase parameter collection for legacy flight data recorders with limited input capabilities.

The small and lightweight units allow operators to install the modules in numerous aircraft types including fixed-wing, rotorcraft, and unmanned aviation systems. In addition, the units can be expanded to include features such as ELT and QAR functionality. Used to reduce wiring, operators can streamline all data into one feed for easy read-write capabilities on all flight data recorder platforms.

Flight Data Storage

In 2019, the SENTRY Cockpit Voice and Flight Data Recorder (CVFDR) was unveiled as the lightest, smallest, lowest power FDR and CVR platform available on the market. The robust, crash survivable ED-112A unit was designed to meet compliance requirements including datalink (CPDLC) recording and battery backup (RIPS), providing aircraft operators an upgrade path from legacy recorders to allow for increased inputs and parameter recordings. It received the official Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Technical Standard Order (TSO) in November of 2019 and remains one of the most innovative solutions in the marketplace.

The SENTRY’s unique architecture and size sets it apart from other flight data recorders. The unit weighs a remarkably low 4.7 lbs (2.1 kg) and consumes less than half the power of other units available to date. The SENTRY is ideal for all aviation platforms, including military, fixed-wing, rotor-wing, and UAV aircraft. It also provides expansion capabilities and offers both digital and analog interfaces. Available in FDR, CVR, and CVFDR configurations, the SENTRY provides superior flexibility for capturing data and utilizes software-free Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) architecture to reduce setup costs. When designing the SENTRY, Flight Data Systems captured the variables that would ensure the CVFDR unit would remain a cost effective, future-proof option for operators looking to upgrade their onboard systems to modern regulatory standards.

Transmit

The Handheld Multipurpose Interface (HHMPI) device is one of the most successful Flight Data System products. An immensely powerful tool for ground support crews, the HHMPI has become synonymous with ground support equipment and is approved by Airbus. The HHMPI supports the most advanced data offloading abilities from any aircraft. It streamlines and simplifies flight data offloading in one seamless unit and connects directly to various leading FDR brands. It can also support multiple memory devices in various data storage formats, providing data transfer flexibility for the heightened demands of commercial airlines, Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM), and military operations.

The HHMPI’s flexible data capturing capabilities are invaluable for operations involving expansive fleets with a complex variety of data recorders. It has been designed to connect to a wide variety of FDRs and CVRs from manufacturers including L3, Honeywell, Universal, and the SENTRY model to simplify the data offloading process. It also provides networking options with other HHMPI units to ensure fleet-wide consistency of FDR data downloading and management, and is now a world-leading flight data recorder download tool.

Analyze 

Flight Data Systems provides industry-leading readout services for Flight Data Monitoring and Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FOQA) programs. SAFR readouts of flight recorder data allow operators to maintain reliable maintenance records and to comply with leading regulatory authorities by offering secure reports and documentation.

Flight Data Systems offers support to fixed and rotor-wing operators to identify maintenance trends, safety concerns, establish benchmarks against international databases, and provide proactive tools to minimize Aircraft on Ground (AOG) times. Our in-house team of aviation specialists has decades of experience in flight safety and delivers the highest quality support.

Complete Ecosystem

After three decades of innovation, the entire Flight Data Systems’ ecosystem provides operators with end-to-end flight data solutions. As a multinational organization, we are proud to support militaries, commercial airlines, and business jet operators with best-in-class solutions to maximize operational efficiencies, safety, and business ROI.

Are you interested in learning more? Contact us.