Honeywell Aerospace (Booth C3107) has developed a new, compact satcom device for helicopters and racked up another STC approval for its Aspire 200 connectivity system, the Phoenix-based company announced Tuesday at Heli-Expo 2019. Its new digital Mission Communications Terminal (MCT) satcom controller will offer two-way texting and push-to-talk functionality between dispatchers and flight crews, as well as provide weather and mission updates.
Colorado-based EMS helicopter provider Air Methods, which operates 300 bases in 48 states, is the launch customer for the MCT, with plans to upgrade its helicopter fleet with the unit. The MCT controller, available for delivery in late spring, is the smallest satcom controller that supports all Iridium-based services, Honeywell said.
In a related announcement, Honeywell said its Aspire connectivity system has been approved by the FAA for installation on the Bell 429. The light twin joins the Leonardo AW139, Airbus H125, and Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk with approved STCs for the satcom system, which uses the Inmarsat SwiftBroadband network.