AVIONICS.qxp_Finance 21/12/2021 15:57 Page 1
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Understanding BizAv Avionics: Cabin Systems Ken Elliott concludes his series on the basics of Business Aviation avionics with a look at how today’s cabin systems work in tandem with an airplane’s other avionics…
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ver several articles we have covered the ins and outs of avionics in business aircraft, where it may be relevant to an aircraft owner, operator, buyer, or broker. Here, we conclude the series delving into the core category of aircraft Cabin Systems. The area of Cabin Systems joins four other avionics categories discussed, including Communication, Navigation, Surveillance (CNS), and Interactive, all of which applied to the aircraft cockpit, remote equipment, and the pilots. Cabin Systems are specific to passengers and cabin crew. In the case of ‘Interactive’, there is some connectivity between the cabin and the cockpit that will be addressed here. In the cabin there is an overlap of trade responsibility, in that some electrical aspects (lighting, galley and environmental control) are under the purview of avionics. For the purposes of this article all cabin electrical, communication, entertainment and electronics will be assumed to be ‘Cabin Systems’.
102 Vol 26 Issue 1 2022 AVBUYER MAGAZINE
The Cabin Evolution
Providing an insight into some of the evolutions of cabin technology, Figure 1 (overleaf) demonstrates changes on several fronts. For each, the development has occurred exponentially, providing increased capability, reliability and options for the cabin experience. Overall, there is now greater connectivity, allowing passengers to function as they would in their office or home. Another evolution is an ability to ‘wirelessly connect’ within the cabin, saving on wiring and equipment. This has further permitted the use of personal electronic devices (phones, iPads, laptops and more) to replace onboard devices and stored entertainment. Flight departments have different approaches to the cabin experience, which is essentially driven by budget, the primary purpose of the aircraft, where the aircraft will operate, priorities within the cabin, and security concerns. It is common for flight departments to limit the cabin experience, thereby reducing cyber exposure. Connecting the passengers to a head office intranet or corporate IT network has its risks, and especially the
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