Industry: Aviation
Golze Engineering provides continuous in-flight weather data to general aviation aircraft. Their ADL system displays a moving map overload with radar, strikes and satellite weather data. This includes wind speeds, temperature, METAR and TAF. In addition, you can send and receive short text messages and emails
Ground Control provides the Iridium satellite modem and modest antenna requirements needed for Golze Engineering’s in-flight weather monitoring products. They serve aircraft operators across the globe with cost-effective Iridium-enabled communications to regularly update aviators on changing weather conditions during their flight time.
While alternative dedicated solutions for in-flight weather exist for North America, Golze Engineering serves the rest of the world, where such services are not available, with its affordable solutions.
TracPlus is a global market leader offering a comprehensive suite of technical capabilities that deliver real-time data analytics and operational intelligence for aerial firefighting and mission-critical operations.
TracPlus collaborated with Ground Control on the RockAIR, a portable aircraft tracking device, engineered to provide seamless connectivity for operators worldwide with unparalleled tracking and communication solutions through a unified operational view.
This collaboration marked a significant advancement in the aerial firefighting market. With the integration of TracPlus’s cloud platform transmitting operational data to the data insights provided by RockAIR, aerial firefighters can operate confidently knowing their team is safe and ensure effective streamlined decision-making during their operations.
v2track works with clients around the globe to effectively track and communicate with assets, whether they’re in the air, on land or at sea. Their comprehensive platform includes fleet management functionality, transmission of flight plans, manifest, checklists and custom forms, 3D trip playback, and transmission of AHRS data.
Their advanced cloud-based tracking software enables ground crews to monitor assets in real time, send two-way messages and set up alerts for a wide variety of parameters.
When partnered with our dual-mode (satellite/cellular) RockAIR, RockFLEET and RockSTAR products, v2track’s innovative platform provides a cost-effective, end-to-end solution for fleet tracking anywhere in the world.
IndigoSat specialize in aircraft tracking solutions for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The RockAIR hardware captures and transmits vital aviation telemetry, and IndigoSat have built an intuitive, web-based platform that makes that data useful.
IndigoSat’s MiTrac platform includes automatic flight leg complications; automatic excessive ascent and descent alerts; burst mode for data usage efficiencies, and dynamic reporting intervals based on aircraft movement. There are fleet grouping and cost center management tools, and comprehensive reporting tools for flight operations.
RockAIR (called IndigoDUO by IndigoSat) provides the events and location data, and the two-way communication using cellular where available, and switching the truly global, low latency Iridium satellite constellation when needed. This ensures IndigoSat’s aviation customers benefit from real-time tracking and communication, in addition to the comprehensive data points and analysis provided by MiTrac.
Enhanced Real Time Tracking and Communications with TracPlus
TracPlus is the trusted real time tracking and communication platform used by first responders, government agencies, militaries, and other critical operators around the world. Their platform has been developed to deliver situational awareness to first responders, irrespective of who owns the asset, what the asset is, who provides the tracking, or what the platform or signal type is – be it radio, cellular or satellite.
Delivering mission critical information to the right people
TracPlus was developed in response to an avoidable tragic event. The event highlighted the need for a solution that would allow operational data to be shared with first responders, enabling them to better plan, communicate and coordinate their activities. Through collaboration and insight from customers, the platform has continued to evolve. Providing robust, real-time tracking, voice and messaging software across aviation, maritime and land-based markets.
To power the platform, devices which reliably transmit tracking and communication data need to be fitted to all assets. Devices need to be convenient, cost effective and able to withstand increasingly challenging environments. To ensure they could help customers achieve superior outcomes without forcing them to adapt their working practices, TracPlus partnered with a number of manufacturers.
The Challenge
Motivated to find best-in-class tracking devices for their customers, TracPlus contacted Rock Seven (now trading as Ground Control), to trial the RockSTAR and RockFLEET. Following the trial’s success in 2014, TracPlus started using both devices to support their land-based and maritime customers.
However, at that time there was nothing within the product range to reliably support aviation tracking. So TracPlus approached Ground Control to see whether anything could be created to deliver similar capabilities to their aviation customer base.
Ideally, TracPlus needed a device which was aircraft vibration certified, could easily connect into the cockpit and able to deliver reliable, global tracking.
The Solution
Ground Control worked with TracPlus to design, develop and manufacture a new device – the RockAIR. Utilizing their insight and experience working with aviation operators, TracPlus were able to advise on device design and key features, and Ground Control were able to manufacture the unit to mirror some of the previous product range features, namely dual mode.
Dual mode enables the unit to switch from mobile cell-networks to the Iridium satellite network when out of GSM range. Meaning TracPlus could guarantee their customers complete coverage, within a cost effective framework.
The RockAIR is designed as a carry on, carry off unit, able to quickly mount onto the dashboard or windshield of light aircraft and road vehicles. It also provides reliable tracking data every 15 seconds which can easily be interpreted by the TracPlus platform.
“Collaborating on the RockAIR, meant we could use all of our customer and industry insight, to ensure the device was capable of delivering true peace of mind to our customers. Ultimately, we pride ourselves on being able to bring people home safely through seamless tracking and communication. Anywhere. Anytime. To do this, we have strived to engage with industry players so that we are at the forefront of meeting their rapidly changing needs. The RockAIR is a great example of this, and one we’re very proud of.”
Todd O’Hara, CMO, TracPlus
The Result
RockAIR is now fitted for a number of TracPlus’s customers, providing accurate, real time tracking anywhere in the world. With quick access to alerts, messaging, and tracking features, it has everything needed to alert and update rescue teams, should an emergency arise. Enabling customers to remain informed, connected and above all, safe.
Ground Control and TracPlus have worked in partnership for six years, developing essential, cost effective solutions for organizations and their assets, all over the world.
Partner with Ground Control
The work we support genuinely inspires us, and we’re proud to facilitate incredible initiatives worldwide.
A substantial proportion of those initiatives are delivered by our vibrant, creative, partner channel. We’d love to have you join them. If you’re a business looking for a potential partnership get in touch with the team today.
Effortless Cloud-Based Fleet Tracking with v2track
For over 15 years, v2track has delivered affordable, global, high detail flight and fleet tracking, via their powerful cloud-based asset viewing and interaction platform. v2track manufactures its own tracking device, and have also integrated their ‘Viewer’ software with Ground Control’s RockAIR, RockSTAR and RockFLEET tracking devices.
A complete solution for fleet tracking
Ground Control’s RockAIR and RockFLEET devices are very similar devices; both offer dual-mode cellular and satellite tracking capabilities, leveraging the global Iridium network, so that no matter where your asset goes, you will be able to see their location in real time.
Both provide text-based communication, so pilots and drivers can keep in touch with their base of operations. The RockAIR is designed to be carry on / carry off, with a battery that will last up to two weeks, whereas the RockFLEET is designed to be installed; either can be used on air, on land, or at sea.
What V2Track brings to the party is their advanced software platform, which has been designed by aviators, for aviators, and works extremely well for land-based fleet operations too.
Introducing V2Track’s Viewer platform
As the Viewer is cloud-based, there’s no need to download any programmes or install updates; when you log in via your desktop, tablet or mobile, you’ll be using the most up to date version of the software. Using the View you can monitor all of your aircraft, vehicles and assets in real-time. It retains the history of every trip / session for future retrieval.
- Customizable, automatic SMS, email and website alerts, e.g. speeding alerts, out of hours use, movement in and out of predefined areas
- Flight following alerts: proximity and non-reporting
- EFB functions
- Flight manifests
- Electronic checklists
- Daily history, playback and reports
When you combine the tracking and communication capabilities of the RockAIR, RockSTAR and RockFLEET devices with V2Track’s innovative and constantly improved software solution, you have an end-to-end solution for fleet tracking, anywhere in the world.
“We wanted to offer our customers a choice of hardware for their tracking and communication needs, and chose to integrate with Ground Control because of their justified reputation for reliability, and the ease of integration with our software. They make it very easy for us to work with them, and in turn, our customers get a very competitively priced and powerful fleet tracking and communication solution.”
Kylan Diprose, Director, v2track
Like to know more?
If you’re interested in V2Track’s fleet tracking and communications solution, or you have your own tracking software and want to explore integration options with Ground Control’s satellite tracking devices, we’d love to hear from you.
Call or email us, or complete the form, and one of our experienced team will be happy to help.
The Challenge for Aviators
Aircraft are often fitted with a number of features which have safety and rescue in mind. These can range from, but aren’t limited to, phones, GPS, trackers, emergency controls, and even tools as simple as a flare gun.
While an aircraft may be kitted out with phones and other communication devices, flight routes are often out of GSM range so cannot guarantee signal. Reliable transmission of location on a regular basis is essential though, should the worst happen.
What’s more, in an emergency situation, pilots need a quick and simple system to fire out an SOS – from messaging to accurate position information – in order to get the life-saving help they need as soon as possible.
The Sam Rutherford Rescue
In May 2019, Sam Rutherford and co-pilot Alan Simpson were ferrying a Piper Malibu propeller aircraft from West Virginia in the USA to Britain.
Unfortunately, they were caught in blizzard-like conditions near Makkovik, Canada, and the plane came down leaving the pilots hurt and stranded on a mountainside. While Simpson was unconscious and later sadly died of his injuries, Rutherford was able to use his tracker to send an SOS back to his wife in Belgium to send for help, which also tracked their position for the rescue team.
It took a nine-man team and a few weather-related setbacks to take on the Herculean task of rescuing the men. Rutherford acknowledges the RockSTAR – satellite tracking device, was a big contributor in saving his life that day.
“Within an hour, an hour and a half, I was getting messages [across]. From a morale point of view that was a total game-changer.”
Sam Rutherford, Pilot
Built with Ground Control
Our devices help deliver peace of mind to aviators, pilots and passengers everywhere and anywhere.
If you’re interested in learning more about the RockSTAR, RockAIR, or any satellite tracking device, or similarly have a communication challenge in the sky you’d like some advice on, simply fill in the form and one of our expert team will contact you.