The DC-8 Data System

David Van Gilst

NSERC
 The System Now

The current DC-8 Data system was created in
2007, as a replacement for the previous ICATS
data system.
− Ethernet replaced RS-232 and coaxial video
cables.
− Redundant fiberoptic gigabit ethernet network
for transmission of most data.

Access points throughout the aircraft, under the
overhead bins.
 REVEAL/NASDAT

REVEAL is one of the most important
components of the data system.
− Provides a standard interface between flight-
critical systems on the aircraft and the
experimenters and the rest of the data
system.
− Sends Telemetry to the ground via Iridium
− Provides a 1Hz UDP packet in the IWG1 Data
format
− Being replaced by the next generation
NASDAT from the Airborne Science
 IWG1 Data Format

A series of comma separated values provided
in a 1Hz UDP packet.

A product of the Interagency Working Group for
Airborne Data and Telementry Standards

Standard values include aircraft position and
attitude data, cabin pressure, temperature,
humidity, etc.
 Timing

Instruments frequently need accurate timing
information, for which the DC-8 provides two
options:
− IRIG-B is 100 Pulse per second, BCD
encoded signal that operates over a dedicated
coaxial cable.
− NTP is a network-based protocol running over
Ethernet

Both are served from a GPS based time server.
 Iridium Communications

The Iridium Satellite constellation was launched
in the late 90's to provide worldwide phone
service.
− 66 Satellites
− 11 Orbits

The DC-8 features a multichannel Iridium
system for worldwide data communications.
− 4+ modems at 2400 bps.
 Iridium Communications 2

4-6 channels, 9600 bps to 14.4 bps.

Provides limited weather data and chat
capabilities.
 INMARSAT Communications

In addition to the Iridium communications, the
DC-8 will soon get an INMARSAT Swift
Broadband system.
− Delivers up to 432kbps.
− Only works between 70 and 70.
− 3 Satellite constellation

Requires a pointable or phased array antenna.
 Video

DC-8 features 4 facility video cameras.
− 1 Nadir camera, running at 1600x1200 at
10Hz.
− 1 Forward camera, running at 640x480 at
10Hz.
− 2 Cameras in the cargo pits for safety
purposes. These are not recorded.
 Situational Awareness Web App

The DC-8 data system provides a Web
application for in-flight situational awareness
and decision support.
− Tables of parameters, strip charts, displays of
navigation software, video cameras.
− Live data display from instruments.
− Google Earth based displays.