VDL mode 3 digital voice operation

VHF data link (VDL) mode 3 is a digital TDMA communications system developed by the FAA and industry partners as a replacement for the existing 25 kHz analog AM systems currently used for VHF aeronautical communications. VDL mode 3 provides increased channel capacity and security for both voice and data link communications. This paper provides a report on the first Supplemental Type Certification recently issued for production-ready and FAA Technical Standard Order (TSO) approved VDL Mode 3 avionics.