Phasor, a developer of enterprise-grade electronically-steered antenna (ESA) systems for mobile broadband and Astronics AeroSat have formed a partnership to produce scalable, dual-beam ESA-based aeronautical terminals, which they say will enhance the passenger and crew experience onboard connected business and commercial airlines.
Phasor’s solid-state, software-defined and modular ESA conforms to the size and shape of an aircraft fuselage, which the company says enables commercial airlines and business aviation fleet operators to reduce drag-weight while optimising bandwidth for in-flight connectivity (IFC).
Astronics AeroSat will integrate Phasor’s phased-array technology into an agile aviation antenna solution that will operate seamlessly with geostationary (GEO) and non-geosynchronous satellites, such as Low Earth Orbit (LEO) wideband constellations, currently in development.
The companies said: “The new antenna will feature dual-beam technology, defined as the simultaneous ability to send and receive signals, with a ‘make-before-break’ capability.”
Matthew Harrah, president of Astronics AeroSat said the alliance between the two companies represents “the next phase of in-flight connectivity capability” and said: “We are working our way towards certification and commercialisation of this new dual-beam SATCOM terminal/OAE (outside aircraft equipment) and look forward to continuing to work closely with the Phasor team.”
David Helfgott, Phasor CEO said the strategic agreement “brings together the best of both worlds” adding: “Together we will deliver next-generation in-flight connectivity across multiple airframe-types and satellite communications networks.”
