Dassault Announces FalconConnect, Promises To “Reinvent Falcon Connectivity”
Dassault Aviation recently announced its new FalconConnect solution, which the company says will provide owners and operators of Falcon aircraft an all-in-one source for hardware, services, and technical support related to in-flight high-speed connectivity services. Announced at European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE 2018), the solution aims to simplify the usage, management, and control of such connectivity services.
Fingertip Access
In a news release, Olivier Villa, Dassault Aviation senior executive vice president, civil aviation, said the aviation industry has seen an “unprecedented development in high-speed connectivity services” of late that has “dramatically increased cost and system complexity.” Villa said integrating onboard communications into one offering and providing one source for the hardware, services, and technical support resolves that challenge and reinvents the connectivity experience.
Dassault developed FalconConnect through a partnership with Honeywell Aerospace’s GoDirect services. The offering includes a dedicated web portal, data-consumption trends, billing history, and specialized service management tools that Dassault says guarantee “fingertip access to onboard usage.” The package also includes a 24/7 customer support line that provides a single point of contact for commercial, technical, service activation, and hardware troubleshooting issues.
Dassault Aviation plans to release FalconConnect in 2018’s second half for in-service Falcon aircraft equipped with CG/CR, SDR, and CNX 900 routers. The company will make the offering available in variously priced packages designed to match each operator’s requirements. In addition to classic and high-speed cabin internet—voice, VoIP, email, streaming, and videoconferencing—the packages include cockpit safety links (FANS, ACARS, ATC), standard ground communications, and various value-added services meant to maximize data control and reduce costs.
Meeting Requirements
Notably, Dassault Aviation said that FalconConnect matches configuration requirements of its current Falcon fleet. Such requirements include multiple networks and ground communications (3G/4G and Wi-Fi), as well as Ka, Ku, and L band satellite systems. FalconConnect will also perform automatic handover between networks to maintain full high-speed data coverage at all times. Addtionally, FalconConnect will include optimized data filtering services, connected devices management, and geo-fencing advisories. “And to help users match operators with different types of operation, the service makes it easy to change billing from company to per-flight, per-tail, or per-device via voucher or credit card,” according to Dassault. In addition to eliminating hidden fees and last-minute surprises, Villa said FalconConnect’s real-time information concerning onboard data use will provide “passengers, crew members, and operators full knowledge and control over consumption and costs, allowing them to fly with complete peace of mind.”
Along with Rafale military fighters, Dassault manufactures a family of Falcon business jets that includes the Falcon 7X, Falcon 8X, Falcon 900, and Falcon 2000 for sale. You’ll find a variety of pre-owned Dassault Aviation aircraft on Controller.com.
Source: Dassault Aviation
Questions? Comments? Visit the Controller Forums to ask questions, get answers, and share your thoughts.