Encrypted Aircraft Wireless Intercom System (EAWIS)

Encrypted Aircraft Wireless Intercom System (EAWIS)

Mission:
Enhances Aircrew safety by providing secure wireless communication between crew members in and around the aircraft during missions

Description:
The Encrypted Aircraft Wireless Intercom System (EAWIS) is a Joint effort with the U.S. Navy that provides increased safety and mission performance for Aircrews operating in and around aircraft. The EAWIS eliminates the mobility restrictions and safety hazards inherent to tethered intercoms. The hands-free mode increases safety in high-risk search-and-rescue, nighttime, and rescue hoist operations. The system also improves communications and safety during operations such as refueling, loading, offloading and re-arming.

EAWIS supplements the current aircraft corded intercom system for both flight and ground operations for the Army’s CH-47 and HH/UH-60 aircraft, and the Navy’s CH-46, SH-60, and CH/HH-53 aircraft. The system consists of one aircraft-mounted interface unit and a mobile transceiver worn by the crew member.

The system has a full duplex voice-activated mode, hands-free mode, and a push-to-talk mode. It features National Security Agency (NSA) Type 1 encryption, 50 independent channels (aircraft networks) with up to six crew members on each aircraft network able to hear and talk simultaneously. EAWIS enables simultaneous omnidirectional communications among all users in the aircraft network within 200 feet of the center of the aircraft.