Aspire 400 Satcom Serves Cabin and Cockpit

Honeywell has introduced the Aspire 400 satcom, an Inmarsat SwiftBroadband system that provides connectivity for both the cockpit and cabin. Weighing about 100 pounds less than comparable systems, according to Honeywell, Aspire 400 consists of a satellite data unit, configuration module, high-power amplifier, and diplexer/low noise amplifier.

Buyers can choose between an intermediate- or high-gain antenna for the first release of the system. Upgrading to the Aspire 400 is “quick and easy” when replacing Honeywell’s older satcom systems such as the MCS-7000 or MCS-7200, the company said.

Satcom service is provided by two independent SwiftBroadband channels and Inmarsat’s I-4 network. For the cockpit, SwiftBroadband-Safety offers a secure data channel, which Honeywell said can be used for messaging with ATC, in-flight tracking, and electronic flight bag applications. The second channel is available for passenger voice and data connectivity. For tracking and managing satcom usage, Honeywell’s GoDirect Cabin Connectivity software is available with the new system.

Aspire 400 can be installed alongside an Iridium-based Aspire 350 for a dual-satcom setup “to provide redundancy over multiple networks,” according to Honeywell.