Lately there is a certain tendency in construction of FMS to integrated it with satellite navigation. The development of satellite navigation syste,s and their functional additions will allow to reach the required precision for performing a safe flight in the nearest future, That’s why GNSS is one of the main navigation systems. Besides that, integration helps to reduce the number of required equipment installed and the complexity of system.
The main manifacturers already fit GNSS module with the ability to receive the satellite signals of WAAS and EGNOS into FMS.
- Rockwell Collins – FMS 5000;
- Honeywell – GNS-XLS;
- Universal Avionics System – UNS-1Ew,UNS-1Fw,UNS-1Lw.
Some FMS models contain the high-speed data transfer block (UniLink), that allows transferring the information to and from- “air-ground” and “ground-air” by using thre radiostation, system of satellite communication or system of telephone communications
Usage of UNILink allows
- Sending the messages
- Correct and download new flight plans
- Transfer coordinates and flight parameters to the ground
- Automatically update the aeronautical and other FMS databases.
- Representh the ATIS information in the digital form.
- Download messages concerning weather conditions in text format, such as TAF, METAR, SIGMET,TWIP and windshear.
Graphical representations of meteorological conditions are available and can be downloaded in the form of satellite radiolocational image, satellite image in the infra-red range, labeled meteorological maps, meteorological maps on altitudes, IFR\MVFR, that can indicate icing and wake turbulence.(fig.148)
The information received from UniLink can be indicated on the navigational display or on MCDU FMS display