Internet on the airplane – digital systems are an everyday
routine for more and more passengers, but pilots are largely cut off from this
development. This is because, up until now, they have had to communicate using
a completely separate system that is primarily analogue. Under the leadership
of the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt;
DLR), a new system that will lead pilots into the digital world of the 21st
century has been tested in flight trials. A single device transmits
communications with the ground and via satellite, digitally at high speed.
Detailed information, such as the weather or the traffic situation can
therefore be exchanged between the tower and the aircraft quickly and reliably,
which increases air traffic safety. Thirty partners are involved in the
development of the new system.