Business aviation solutions provider Satcom Direct (SD) has announced it has now received DO-160 approval for its SD Plane Simple® Ka-band tail mount antenna, which is the second variant in the company’s Plane Simple hardware series. The company says this certification represents the next phase toward the terminal’s commercial service introduction.
The development follows more than 400 validation hours, with tests including extensive weather, thermal, and vibration qualifications to ratify the official approval. The terminal exclusively connects with Viasat’s Jet ConneX in-flight broadband solution that is powered by Global Xpress GX satellite constellation. Satcom Direct says its customers that are equipping airframes with the Plane Simple Ka-band terminal will have immediate access to global coverage with the GX satellite constellation.
According to Satcom Direct, it is also possible to later upgrade to Viasat’s full Ka-band network, including the ViaSat-3 satellites and next-generation GX satellites as they come online.
The flight on the SD Gulfstream G550 aircraft under an aircraft-specific supplemental type certificate exceeded expectations, Satcom Direct says, and provided seamless access to data-hungry applications such as high-definition video conferencing and video streaming as well as multiple digital applications for high volumes of users travelling on mid- to large-size jets.
President of Satcom Direct, Chris Moore, said: “This second iteration of our Plane Simple antenna technology is a game-changer for the industry as it unlocks the complete current and future performance capabilities of the Global Xpress network and minimises beam and satellite switching time. We’re delivering the most powerful, reliable, and genuinely global connectivity to operators that depend on us to keep them connected during flight.”
Kai Tang, Head of Business Aviation, Viasat commented: “SD has a reputation as a technology-forward company. Its innovative approach, guided by a commitment to deliver powerful new connectivity solutions to support the very specific needs of business aviation users, is exemplified by creating the first terminal that will connect with our existing and next-generation Ka-band satellites. This pioneering vision is one that we adhere to as it adds real value to the offering.
“We’re pleased to be working with SD to offer customers exceptional connectivity experiences through customised Viasat service plans, including the first-ever power-by-the-hour payment option for Jet ConneX, enabling business jet operators to pay an hourly rate for in-flight connectivity.”
