Parker Hannifin Corporation, a major turnkey supplier to the world”s aerospace industry, has won a contract with Airbus to provided video monitoring equipment for the new A380 super jumbo.
Controlled by a panel duplicated for both the cockpit crew and cabin services manager, up to 100 cameras will be positioned on the aircraft enabling a very high degree of passenger monitoring. The system allows for the images to be shared on an IFE (In Flight Entertainment) system and also on the ground via a SATCOM link.
The format does not replace the cockpit security doors and, as well as providing additional protection, it is expected to be of use in monitoring normal cabin service requirements, particularly on as big an aircraft as the double deck Airbus. The cameras are rotatable and can zoom into a particular seat, or just monitor a specific area. They are designed for easy snap-in installation into cabin bulkheads and galley walls. Cargo areas can also be monitored. Low light sensitivity and an optional audio is available
Speaking exclusively to ABTN at the Paris Air Show Parker Aerospace Electronic Systems Division marketing director, Briton Frank Bloomfield (seen above), confirmed that Airbus was now offering the system as original equipment on the A380 product. ”We are absolutely delighted,” he said. ”One of the secrets of the entire system is the digital camera that we have developed. It provides a very high quality picture. And by using fibre optic cabling we do not interfere with the aircraft”s electronics. The whole kit adds very little to the gross weight of the aircraft, a tiny insignificant amount.”
Mr Bloomfield confirmed that presently two airlines were taking the Parker product, known as A380 CVMS (Cabin Video Monitoring System) but refused to expand. ”We just supply Airbus with the hardware. Installation and operations-wise, it is up to them.” The first unit should be in service sometime next year, perhaps an indication of who might be the initial taker.
Cost is said to be ”less than $100,000 per aircraft.” Parker is currently focusing on the A380 as it prepares for airline introduction. The company says it is not interested in retrofitting the system on to existing aircraft but hopes to offer it as a built option on other Airbus models.