Spring 2006

Adopting a ruggedised laptop computer - the kind usually associated with tough outdoor environments - has improved reliability on in-flight mobile computing by air crews at Thomsonfly, the holiday and tourist specialist airline. Over 200 Panasonic Toughbook laptop computers are now in use on this application.

The company was already issuing air crews with conventional laptops before this new implementation, but found them increasingly prone to failure. However, the solution proved to be on its doorstep, since its ground engineers were already using Panasonic Toughbooks, and had found them highly reliable. It therefore decided to adopt them in the air as well.

They had to undergo rigorous testing first. The company tried several models, and settled on the CF-T2, with 12in screen, which was considered ideal in size for flight-deck duties. The magnesium alloy case and reinforced metal screen-case edges were thought useful in helping it stand up to the rigours of hours in the air.

Panasonic worked with the company to ensure that the Toughbooks conformed to the regulations set by the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics, as well the requirements of the pilots' union. One of the stipulations was they should weigh no more than 1.4kg and always be transported in flight bags. The CF-T2 weighs just 1,220 grams.

 

Pilots use the Toughbooks to perform take-off calculations, to store flight information, and for quick in-flight reference to digital manuals. The computers are usually stowed during flights, but to ensure safe working when required, they have been adapted to include an on/off switch specifically for wireless functions.