A Satcom Direct-developed terminal for the Inmarsat Jet ConneX broadband service has moved a step closer to commercial service after successfully communicating over the air with an Inmarsat satellite, the companies announced late last week. Meanwhile, a complete prototype unit of Satcom Direct’s Plane Simple Ka-band antenna system is scheduled for completion later this year, followed by design verification, testing, certification, and commercial service introduction in 2023.
Satcom Direct’s Plane Simple antenna system provides in-flight Wi-Fi for super-midsize to large-cabin business jets using Inmarsat’s current and upcoming Ka-band satellites. The tail-mounted terminal is a lightweight design with two line-replaceable units and simplified wiring, enabling quicker and easier installation and maintenance.
“Moving to the next phase of development with our new Plane Simple Ka-band antenna system for Inmarsat’s Jet ConneX—and being one step closer to securing type approval for use on the Inmarsat satellite network—is a huge step forward for our business and for business aviation, said Satcom Direct founder and CEO Jim Jensen.
Kai Tang, Inmarsat’s head of business aviation, noted that his company will launch six more Ka-band satellites over the coming years. Four will be in geostationary orbit, adding speed, capacity, and resilience, while two will be placed in a highly elliptical orbit to enable airborne broadband service for aircraft flying in higher elevations and over the Arctic.