Multiple Orbits By Chris Moore, President of Satcom Direct.

As the options for business aviation connectivity exponentially grow Chris Moore, President of Satcom Direct discusses how SD can help optimize multi-orbit connectivity.

The launch of our Satcom Direct Plane Simple, Ku-band tail-mounted antenna represented a first for the industry. As the name suggests, it simplifies the connectivity ownership experience.

It has numerous advantages over existing options, including flexible pricing plans, uncomplicated installation, easy upgrade paths, and only two LRUs (line-replaceable units). It’s also network agnostic and purpose-built for the business aviation sector. For optimal connectivity, it works with the Intelsat FlexExec network, also dedicated to business aviation.

Perhaps most significantly, it is delivering future-proof technology. With the SD terminals, owners know that as their needs change, so can the terminal. Airframes are manufactured to last some thirty years. Yet, owners need to update connectivity technology much more frequently. This typically requires significant investment, which was the motivation to create a product that can be easily adapted with minimal expense.

As dependable, high-performance airborne global connectivity is now expected to support operational efficiencies and passenger experience, equipping aircraft with future-proofed connectivity solutions is imperative. Tailored solutions can deliver the right performance while protecting investment. Yet in an evolving network provider landscape, the selection process necessitates a host of considerations around antenna and network selection.

This is further complicated by the growth of opportunities delivered by multi-orbit options. No longer is it a case of choosing a single frequency, Ka or Ku-band, but more than ever, it requires analysis of usage, destinations, passenger numbers and airframe type before creating the most efficient option. The growing variables drove us to develop technology that will operate with existing and future network constellations.

PSKu (left) and PSKa (right) affixed to G550.

Our Dual Dissimilar offering is already highlighting the benefits of multiple orbit technology. The Dual Dissimilar technology equips an aircraft with the Plane Simple Ku- and Ka-band tail mount antennas (Dual) to support two different satellite constellations (Dissimilar). This leverages the best aspects of each network, delivers full redundancy, and ensures consistent global connectivity.

With owners of large cabin long-range or executive airliners already demanding double or sometimes triple redundancy, the Dual Dissimilar option increases the amount of data that can be transmitted to and from the aircraft and, consequently, the bandwidth available. Digital communications, aircraft performance monitoring, and crew operations support for avionics and cabin WiFi are part of the integrated solution. Data can also be prioritized to chosen passenger devices, ensuring lead passengers always maintain the required connection, even when data demand is high.

The Satcom Direct G550 optimizing Dual Dissimilar connectivity supported by the SD Plane Simple tail-mounted antennas.

We expect and are planning for a future where the multi-orbit offering will be the norm for business aviation. This means investment in time to research the right aircraft solution is critical and drives our consultative approach to better support our customers.

Together with our clients, we explore their connectivity usage patterns and then define the ideal solution to meet these needs. Our upgradeable terminals connect the aircraft with the satellite and the SD ecosystem of software, ground infrastructure, customer support and cybersecurity. This powerful combination securely synchronizes operations, delivers an unmatchable passenger experience, and supports flight deck communications. Each system harnesses the different frequencies and orbits via multiple network operators to assure the reliability and longevity of the airborne connection.

Our vision is to deliver dependable, high-performance, airborne global systems that enable the digital transformation of flight operations and raise industry standards. Our commitment is to make managing connectivity and operations seamless and convenient. To do this, we are continually innovating technology, collaborating with our best-in-class partners, and focusing on delivering added value to each customer.

Each satellite network or proprietary technology can deliver on such ambitions, which is why our technology can be modified to meet dynamic, demanding customer expectations. To discover more about optimizing network potential and maximizing connectivity beyond all expectations, read our latest white paper on multi-orbit connectivity. Download it from here or scan the QR code.

BlueSky Business Aviation News | 6th April March 2023 | Issue #696

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