ACSS from Astronautics to secure Tiger MkIII data

July 22, 2024

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

FARNBOROUGH, ENGLAND – July 19, 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.

Astronautics’ ACSS has been selected as the cyber-secured maintenance server for Airbus’ Tiger MkIII helicopter upgrade. T

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, or email: BusDev@astronautics.com.

About Astronautics

Astronautics Corporation of America, headquartered in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, is a global leader in the design, development, and manufacture of avionics equipment and systems for the commercial and military aerospace industry.  Key product areas include electronic primary flight, multifunction and engine displays, connected aircraft and airborne cyber solutions, electronic flight bags, and certified servers for airborne applications.  Services include avionics systems integration and custom software for critical applications. Since its founding in 1959, Astronautics has been providing trusted, reliable, and tailored engineering solutions enabling aerospace OEMs and operators to achieve mission success.  Astronautics is the parent company of Kearfott Corporation, headquartered in New Jersey, known for its guidance, navigation, and motion sensor products for sea, land, air, and space applications.  For more information: www.astronautics.com.