RockAIR
RockAIR is a global tracking and messaging device designed for use on the dashboard of light aircraft or rotorcraft. It has built-in LTE Narrowband, which allows it to use cellular networks when possible, automatically switching to the global Iridium satellite network when LTE Narrowband is not available.
Key Features
RockAIR helps pilots and operators stay connected, keep track of every flight and respond quickly when circumstances change.
Designed for Safer Operations
Share your aircraft’s position, request closer monitoring or send an alert with your precise location when assistance is needed.
Connected Throughout the Flight
RockAIR automatically switches between cellular and Iridium satellites to maintain tracking and messaging beyond mobile coverage.
Simple to Install and Operate
The compact dashboard unit fits using a quick release mount, with straightforward controls and no complex aircraft integration required.
Keep Tracking Through Power Loss
Designed for demanding aviation environments, RockAIR includes an internal backup battery to keep tracking if external power is lost.
How It Works
RockAIR has quick access to alert features using the front panel, along with a comprehensive set of tracking, messaging, and M2M / IoT features. The unit comes with a quick-release mount to enable carry-on installation in seconds.
The tracker has been designed to wake up frequently in order to register its position using the GPS satellite network. It will then transmit this position to Ground Control HQ via the Iridium satellite network (or cellular if in range). The easy to use Cloudloop Tracking platform will then visualize these positions.
Using a combination of LTE-M and Iridium ensures you’re getting the best value for money for truly global tracking and communication.
Use The Platform That Works For You
Use Your Preferred Platform
RockAIR data can be shared through our APIs, making it easy to connect the device with your existing software and operational systems.
- Keep using the platform your team already knows
- Feed RockAIR tracking data into your existing workflows
- Connect through an established integration with SKYTRAC, TracPlus, IndigoSat or v2Track
- Work with us to support a new platform integration.
Use Cloudloop Tracking
Cloudloop Tracking provides live visibility, alerts and messaging, with a simple subscription model designed for smaller fleets.
- Track aircraft live and review flight history
- Set alerts, geofences and tracking intervals
- Message between pilots and operators
- Access securely from desktop or mobile.
Why Choose RockAIR?
Global Tracking Across Every Flight
Maintain aircraft visibility beyond cellular coverage, with automatic switching between mobile networks and the global Iridium satellite network.
Install and Move in Seconds
Use the compact design and quick-release mount to install RockAIR quickly or transfer it easily between aircraft.
Message Beyond Cellular Coverage
Pair RockAIR with the RockCONNECT app to exchange two way messages when cellular networks are unavailable.
Improve Pilot Safety
Use Watch Me monitoring and a dedicated Alert button to request closer oversight or send an emergency message with your location.
Create Location-Based Tracking Rules
Set geofences, receive entry and exit alerts, and automatically adjust tracking behavior within defined areas.
Send Aircraft and Payload Data
Use the serial interface to transmit telemetry such as payload status, sensor readings and data from connected onboard systems.
Mark Important Waypoints
Record unlimited waypoints across four user-defined categories to capture locations, events and observations during flight.
Respond to Operational Events
Trigger alerts or increase tracking following power loss, impacts, landings and other configurable aircraft events.
Product Showcase
In this product overview, Evan Fenemor explains how RockAIR combines cellular and Iridium satellite connectivity to support global aircraft tracking, two-way messaging and emergency alerts.
He also covers installation, device controls, platform integrations, custom data transmission and connections to onboard systems, giving pilots and operators a practical look at how RockAIR works in flight.
Product Specifications
Communications
- Satellite Service
- Iridium Short Burst Data (SBD)
- Cellular Service
- LTE Cat M1 / NB2 cellular
- Network Switching
- Automatically switches between cellular and Iridium satellite connectivity
- Satellite Coverage
- Global Iridium network coverage
- Two Way Messaging
- Supported through Bluetooth LE and the RockCONNECT app
- Compatible Devices
- Bluetooth LE-enabled smartphones and tablets
- Message Delivery
- Messages can be delivered by email or sent to a customer web service
- Satellite Message Size
- Up to 340 bytes sent and 270 bytes received
- Tracking Frequency
- Configurable from every 15 seconds to once every 24 hours
- Tracking Profiles
- Different reporting rates and behaviors can be set according to network, location, movement or power status
Tracking and Safety
- Positioning
- GNSS Positioning
- Watch Me Function
- Requests closer monitoring for a defined period
- Alert Function
- Sends an alert message with the device’s precise position
- Waypoint Marking
- Supports unlimited waypoints across up to four user-defined categories
- Geofencing
- Supports location-based reporting profiles and entry or exit behavior
- Automatic Alerts
- Can respond to events including power loss, engine activity, oil pressure, landing, collision and defined flight-parameter exceedances
- Onboard Logging
- Saves position and diagnostic data to a MicroSD card every second
- Integrated Sensors
- GNSS, accelerometer, thermometer, power-loss and impact sensors
Physical and Environmental
- Dimensions
- 100 × 119 × 25 mm (3.94 × 4.69 × 0.98 in)
- Device Weight
- 210 g (7.4 oz)
- Installation
- Quick-release mounting clip
- Operating Temperature
- -30°C to +60°C (-22°F to +140°F)
- Operating Humidity
- Below 75% relative humidity
- External Antennas
- Optional Iridium, GNSS and cellular SMA connections
- Regulatory Compliance
- CE and FCC
- Aviation Testing
- Tested against selected RTCA/DO-160F and DO-160G environmental and EMC requirements
Electrical
- DC Input
- 8-32 V DC through the Molex connector
- USB Input
- Regulated 5 V through Micro-USB or USB-C
- USB Supply Requirement
- Minimum 1.3 A
- Backup Battery
- Rechargeable 3.7 V, 1,850 mAh lithium-ion polymer battery
- Backup Operation
- Up to eight hours when transmitting once per minute over Iridium
- Battery Charging
- Charges automatically from either supported external power input
Interfaces and Integration
- Data Delivery
- Data can be delivered to Ground Control’s platform or sent to a customer web service using HTTP POST
- Remote Configuration
- Device settings can be updated over the air
- Serial Interface
- RS-232 transmit and receive interface for connected equipment and custom data
- Digital Inputs
- Five switch or alert inputs
- Tracking Platforms
- Compatible with Cloudloop Tracking and established third party aviation platforms
- Custom Integrations
- RockAIR data can be incorporated into a customer or partner platform
Resources
Here are a few useful resources to help you assess RockAIR, including airtime rates, technical specifications and coverage information.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. RockAIR functionality integrates with your existing platform, via API or use Cloudloop Tracking for a complete solution.
RockAIR automatically switches to the truly global Iridium satellite network to maintain tracking and communication.
A single press of the red Alert button sends an emergency message with the aircraft’s precise location to your tracking provider and configured contacts. RockAIR then enters Alert Mode and follows its Distress Profile, which can increase the tracking frequency so the aircraft’s position can be monitored more closely while assistance is arranged.
Yes. RockAIR is designed to work well for individual aircraft and smaller fleets, with flexible deployment and pricing options.
RockAIR is supplied as a complete tracking and messaging device. You will also need an airtime plan and a tracking platform, either Cloudloop Tracking, one of our existing platform partners, or your own integrated software.
You can buy RockAIR outright and pay for airtime as you use it, or choose a monthly plan that combines the device and airtime into a single recurring fee. We can help you select the option that best suits your aircraft, flight activity and tracking requirements.
Do you have any questions?
We’re here to help. Collaboratively designed with aviators and proudly manufactured in our UK headquarters, RockAIR brings you dependable, resilient, and cost-effective tracking along with seamless two way communications.
Hundreds of pilots worldwide rely on our robust carry-on aviation tracking device. Simply fill in the form, or email hello@groundcontrol.com, and we’ll be happy to help.