At NBAA-BACE in Las Vegas, which begins next week, Lufthansa Technik AG and Pilatus Aircraft Ltd will for the first time unveil their strategic cooperation regarding a cabin management system for the Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet. For this purpose, the Original Equipment & Special Aircraft Services segment of Lufthansa Technik has adapted its renowned nice (networked integrated cabin equipment) specifically for the popular jet aircraft type of the venerable Swiss manufacturer.
In the PC-24, the system is called “integrated Cabin Management System 4.0” (iCMS 4.0) and features a 10″ touch screen controller with 3D moving map, USB ports, media storage server and four high fidelity cabin speakers with optional sub-woofer, HDMI input, and mood lighting. In the past, such systems have only been installed in mid-size and large business jets – mainly due to the number of their components, weight, performance, and associated costs. For its new partner Pilatus, Lufthansa Technik is therefore introducing an Ethernet-based »nice« in which the entire system is housed as a line-replaceable unit in a compact enclosure.
The resulting iCMS 4.0, which builds on Lufthansa Technik’s enormous experience in providing line-fit systems to heavy business jet platforms, features four Ethernet ports, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. The interface to the passengers is provided by the touch-sensitive surface already known from existing »nice« systems, which allows, for example, navigating through the various entertainment options. This allows passengers to seamlessly manage comfort functions as well as audio and video content, either via the built-in 10” touch screen or from their personal electronic devices (PEDs). In addition, the new system provides a fully digital platform that allows the crew to personalize the PC-24’s cabin for the passengers in advance of each flight.
“Pilatus is proud to introduce the iCMS 4.0 inflight entertainment system in collaboration with Lufthansa Technik,” said Ignaz Gretener, Vice President of Pilatus’ Business Aviation unit. “Our modified system, more compact and efficient than ever before, features a fully customized interface tailored to Pilatus’ discerning customers. This innovation not only enhances the onboard experience but also reflects our commitment to pushing the boundaries of aviation technology.”
“We are honored to be part of this remarkable aircraft and to offer Pilatus service enhancements that will elevate the PC-24 passenger experience to an even higher level,” said Andrew Muirhead, Vice President OEM and Engineering Services and Head of the Original Equipment & Special Aircraft Services segment at Lufthansa Technik. “We are proud of our technical achievements in integrating so much functionality into such a compact unit – once again a demonstration of the innovative power of our team. Together with our valued new partner Pilatus, we are now making the PC-24 Super Versatile Jet even more versatile.”
A first PC-24 equipped with the new iCMS 4.0 will be presented in the static display (AD_32) at the National Business Aviation Association Convention and Exhibition (NBAA-BACE). In addition, experts will be available at the Pilatus (N1808) and Lufthansa Technik (C12613) booths to provide more information.
Technical data and functionality of the nice-based iCMS 4.0:
- Wi-Fi 802.11N/AC/AX capable of simultaneous 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
- Bluetooth transceiver for audio sink or source
- Multicast streaming
- 6-channel digital amplifier, which can include optional subwoofer
- Controls via Ethernet, ARINC 429, RS485/422/232, discrete and relays
- 1 terabyte of storage space for personal AVOD (audio/video on demand)
- niceview mobile moving map
- nice wireless app control
About Pilatus:
Founded in 1939, Pilatus Aircraft Ltd develops and produces the world’s most unique aircraft: from the legendary PC-12, the best-selling single-engine turboprop in its class, to the PC-7 MKX and PC-21 and associated simulators, the market-leading systems for pilot training. The brand-new PC-24 is the world’s first ever business jet designed for use on short unprepared runways. The Pilatus team consists of over 2,500 exceptional employees who make the company, which is domiciled in Stans, one of the largest and most innovative employers in Central Switzerland. The Pilatus Group also includes independent subsidiaries in the USA and Australia.
About Lufthansa Technik:
The Lufthansa Technik Group is one of the leading providers of technical aircraft services in the world. Certified internationally as maintenance, production and design organization, the company employs more than 21,500 people in dozens of locations around the globe. Lufthansa Technik offers the full range of services for commercial, VIP and special mission aircraft. The portfolio includes maintenance, repair, overhaul and modification of airframes, engines, components, and landing gears, as well as the manufacture of innovative cabin products and digital fleet support.
All images credited to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd
