A10.1 - Improving AIRBUS Flight Test Guidance with LEO Satellite Connectivity
- Event
- ETTC 2026 - European Test and Telemetry Conference
2026-06-09 - 2026-06-11
Nuremberg - Chapter
- Hybrid / Remote Testing II
- Author(s)
- A. L. Falga - AIRBUS OPERATIONS SAS, Toulouse (France), B. J.-M. Gaubert, C. R. Gallois - ATMOSPHERE SARL, Ramonville (France)
- Pages
- 171 - 176
- DOI
- 10.5162/ettc2026/A10.1
- Price
- free
Abstract
AIRBUS is operating a fleet of test aircraft dedicated to qualifications of incremental improvements of civil aircraft, as well as evaluation of innovative concepts. Some flight tests involve long range operations, as aircraft need to be exposed to severe conditions, such as icing, high altitude or strong side winds. To support such remote operations, AIRBUS has been using since 2014 the PLANET system developed by ATMOSPHERE. PLANET relies on satellite connectivity to support real-time exchanges between on-board flight test engineers and ground support teams. Through a web interface, PLANET provides a means to follow and guide aircraft operations anywhere. However, test aircraft are not always fitted with Satcom capability. Hence, AIRBUS and ATMOSPHERE worked together to develop a fully autonomous solution, in which PLANET software and Satcom connectivity are integrated in a single box. This new solution, based on Iridium Certus ™ constellation, has been installed and tested in an A₃₂₁neo aircraft in December 2025. Following positive return on experience, it is now planned to be deployed on other test aircraft. The paper presents the new PLANET connectivity solution developed for AIRBUS Flight Test needs. It reviews the performance achieved during in-flight operations, provides return on experience, and discusses the potential exploitation of this reliable technology for future campaigns. Key words: Flight Test Guidance, LEO satellites, Telemetry and Telecommand (TM/TC), e-Operations.