Description
ACARS is a digital data link system
for the transmission of messages between aircraft and ground stations, which
has been in use since 1978. At first it relied exclusively on VHF channels but
more recently, alternative means of data transmission have been added which
have greatly enhanced its geographical coverage. There has also been a rapid
trend towards the integration of aircraft systems with the ACARS link. Both
have led to rapid growth in its use as an operational communications tool.
Modern ACARS equipment now includes
the facility for automatic as well as manual initiation of messaging. ARINC
guidelines have been defined for all the various avionic components of ACARS.
Message Content
ACARS messages may be of three types
based upon their content:
- Air Traffic Control (ATC)
- Aeronautical Operational Control
(AOC) - Airline Administrative Control (AAC)
ATC messages include aircraft requests for clearances and ATC issue of clearances and instructions to aircraft. They are often used to deliver Pre-Departure, Data link Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) and en route Oceanic Clearances. However, whilst the ACARS system is currently fulfilling a significant ‘niche’ role in ATC communications, it is not seen as a suitable system for the more widespread ATC use of data link referred to as Controller Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC).
AOC and AAC messages are used for communications between an aircraft and
its base. These messages may be of standard form or as defined by users, but
all must then meet at least the guidelines of ARINC Standard 618. Any message
content is possible including such examples as:
- upload to the aircraft of final load and trim sheets;
- upload of weather or Notice To Airmen information;
- download from the aircraft of status, position, eta, and any diversion;
- download of spot weather observations from aircraft sensors:
- download of technical performance data including automatically triggered exceedance or abnormal aircraft system status information, and
- ‘Housekeeping’ information such as catering uplift requirements, special passenger advice and ETA.
Free Text messaging is also
possible.
The ACARS System
When ACARS was first developed as an
ATN component, it was modeled on the existing Telex System. As a consequence,
the system architecture is based on three main components:
The Aircraft Equipment
ACARS equipment onboard an aircraft is called the Management Unit (MU) or, in the case of newer versions with more functionality, the Communications Management Unit (CMU). This functions as a router for all data transmitted or received externally, and, in more advanced systems internally too. The ACARS MU/CMU may be able to automatically select the most efficient air-ground transmission method if a choice is available. A flight deck printer will be provided and a cabin crew terminal may also be available. Flight Crew access to the ACARS system is usually via a CDU which, in more advanced systems, can be used to access up to seven different systems such as the Flight Management System, besides the MU/CMU. Each system connected to the CDU generates its own display pages and accepts keyboard input when selected. Some EFBs may be used as a substitute for access via the CDU.
The Service Provider
A Data link Service Provider (DSP)
is responsible for the movement of messages via radio link, usually to/from its
own ground routing system. ACARS messages are transmitted using one of three
possible data link methods:
- VHF or VDL (VHF Data Link) which is
line-of-sight limited - SATCOM which
is not available in polar regions - HF or HFDL (HF Data Link) which has
been added especially for polar region communications
The main primary DSPs are ARINC and
SITA. Until quite recently, each part of the world was covered by a single DSP
but competitive offerings are now increasingly available.
The Ground Processing System
Ground System provision is the responsibility of either a participating Air Navigation Service Provider or an Aircraft Operator. Aircraft Operators often contract out the function to either DSP or to a separate service provider. Messages from aircraft, especially automatically generated ones, can be pre-configured according to message type so that they are automatically delivered to the appropriate recipient just as ground-originated messages can be configured to reach the correct aircraft.