Honeywell has become a value-added manufacturer of aviation terminals that operate on the Iridium Next network as it nears fourth-quarter FAA certification of its Aspire 150 and 350 satcom systems. They are also the first aviation satcom solutions to demonstrate connectivity at up to 700 kbps via the Iridium Certus service over the Next network, according to Honeywell.
The new Aspire systems are also more lightweight than previous generations, use small active high-gain antennas, and are simpler to install, Honeywell added. Aspire 150 provides operators with fast and reliable connectivity at lower costs, it said, while the Model 350 provides these same features but adds FANS datalink. They both provide legacy Iridium cockpit safety services and Certus high-speed voice and data connectivity.
“We have made great technological strides with our Aspire 150 and 350 systems since announcing the products in 2018,” said Honeywell Aerospace director of product management Mark Goodman. “We have successfully transmitted over the Iridium network at speeds up to 700 kbps with pre-qualification form, fit, and function aviation equipment.”
In addition to its Aspire suite of satcom systems, Honeywell provides access to Inmarsat’s GX Aviation network, which is powered by Honeywell’s JetWave hardware. Honeywell is also planning to offer air-to-ground connectivity services via SmartSky.