Malaysian official denies report that missing plane's engines sent data after last contact

[The Straight Story]

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Malaysian official denies report that missing plane's engines sent data after last contact.

http://bigstory.ap.org/article/ap-newsalert-576

[longship]

1. That's all it says at link.

But I am not surprised by this report. The story was a bit fishy to begin with.

I don't think engines can do what was claimed. Just more made up stuff and a news media that does not check things out before they print it.

This is what happens when a big story has no information coming out.

[bluesbassman]

2. The technology is there. Whether Malaysian Air utilized it has not been confirmed by RR or Boeing.

A critical aspect of the EHM system is the transfer of data from aircraft to ground. Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) digital data-link systems are used as the primary method of communication. This transmits the Aircraft Condition Monitoring System (ACMS ) reports via a VHF radio or satellite link whilst the aircraft is in-flight.

A worldwide ground network then transfers this data to the intended destination. The positive aspect of this system is its robust nature and ability to distribute information worldwide. On the other hand, the Airplane Condition Monitoring Function (ACMF) reports are limited to 3kB, hence the acquisition systems need to work within this limitation. Future systems are being deployed to increase data volumes through wireless data transmission as the aircraft approaches the gate after landing. This will enable more data to be analysed, but will not be as immediate as ACARS, where data can be assessed well before the aircraft lands again.
http://www.rolls-royce.com/about/technology/systems_tech/monitoring_systems.jsp

[longship]

4. I stand corrected. The dynamics of this thing is weird.

People want the plane to be found so they'll latch onto anything for hope. But this story has turned into such a puzzler it seems that the reportage is failing them. In the absence of reliable information, noise breaks through.

I'll believe something about this when they locate the wreckage.

[IDemo]

3. ACARS - Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System

See - "7A - ENG Aircraft initiated engine data"

http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/decoders/acarsweb.pdf