Satcom Direct installs SD Plane Simple Ka-band antenna prototype on company’s Gulfstream G550

Satcom Direct has completed the installation of the first Plane Simple Ka-band antenna on the company’s Gulfstream G550. The prototype terminal has two line-replaceable units (LRUs), the tail-mount antenna and SD Modern Unit. These are testing the compatibility of the technology hardware with Inmarsat’s Jet ConneX inflight broadband service, which is powered by its Global Xpress constellation.

The Ka-band antenna is the second terminal in the SD Plane Simple antenna series. The new antenna is functioning under a supplemental type certificate (STC). The terminal validation will be conducted during regular flight operations and any data collected will be used to finalize a design that will be used to enhance functionality.

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“Owners and operators depend on us to deliver reliable and consistent service, and our Plane Simple antenna systems satisfy this demand,” SD President Chris Moore said. “We’ve rigorously tested the Plane Simple Ku-band, which has performed beyond expectations.”

“Now, with the validation of the Ka-band terminal, we’re adding more value to our offering to meet the needs of our customers. We have a long-standing relationship with Inmarsat, having evolved numerous connectivity services together to deliver superior experiences to users. We are excited to begin on-wing testing with them,” Moore said.

Satcom Direct uses technology to provide connectivity in business aviation. The Ka-band antenna project will allow for high-speed data transfer for teleconferencing, video streaming and many digital applications for a large number of users traveling on mid to large-size jets.

“For more than 30 years, satellite communications have changed the face of aviation,” explains Inmarsat’s Angela Dunlap in this video. Read our report to find out how #satcom is making airline operations safer, more efficient and more sustainable: https://t.co/4e5tyOWRMp pic.twitter.com/2NBoLmr7mj

— Inmarsat (@InmarsatGlobal) January 5, 2023

 “Like SD, our aim is to give customers best-in-class consistent, global coverage, now and in the future,” Head of Business Aviation at Inmarsat Kai Tang said. “We anticipate that SD hardware technology, combined with our enhanced next-generation satellite network, will reinforce our position as the premium connectivity experience for SD customers. We are looking forward to validating this through the testing process.”

Testing for the antenna has begun and customer in-service is scheduled to begin in Q4 2023. Other STCs are expected from SD by the end of 2023.