Panasonic Avionics has launched a new next-generation Ku-band antenna, developed in partnership with ThinKom Solutions.
It will be offered by Panasonic Avionics to its airline customers for both line-fit and retrofit installations, with first deliveries occurring in 2023.
The newly designed ThinAir builds upon ThinKom’s flight proven VICTS (Variable Inclination Continuous Transverse Stub) technology, and will connect aircraft with Panasonic Avionics’ global communications network of high-speed, high-bandwidth Ku-band satellites.
The new highly efficient and low-profile antenna will support both LEO (low earth orbit) and GEO (geostationary orbit) satellite networks, offer higher speed throughput, greater aerodynamic efficiency, gate-to-gate operations, and reduced operating costs.
Jeff Sare, Vice President of In-Flight Connectivity Solutions at Panasonic Avionics, said: “Panasonic is committed to delivering seamless, scalable, and future-proofed in-flight connectivity to our airline customers and their passengers. Our new antenna offering with ThinKom is an integral part of our network and will allow airlines to access both current and future satellite constellations.”
“This agreement with Panasonic Avionics is an important validation of our VICTS phased array antennas, which are designed to seamlessly roam on both LEO and GEO networks, delivering unparalleled flexibility and resiliency to ensure the highest level of bandwidth services and availability to airline customers,” stated Mark Silk, President of ThinKom Solutions, Inc.
“The combination of our VICTS technology and Panasonic Avionics’ experience and commitment to in-flight entertainment and connectivity provides an extremely compelling value proposition to commercial airlines, both today and in the future.”
