Bombardier has opted for Iridium Certus connectivity service for its Challenger 3500 super-midsize twin, the Montreal airframer announced today. The Challenger 3500 is the first aircraft in its class to be equipped with Iridium Certus as a baseline feature, Bombardier noted. The L-Band service offering, developed in collaboration with Collins Aerospace, is also available for retrofit on Challenger 300/350s through Bombardier’s service center network.
Iridium Certus provides connection speeds of up to 704 Kbps, which Bombardier said provides a strong foundation for connectivity with low latency and global coverage through the Iridium Next constellation of more than 66 cross-linked satellites.
“By incorporating the new Certus system to Challenger 3500 jets, we offer our clients a highly reliable connectivity service with pole-to-pole coverage,” said Jean-Christophe Gallagher, executive v-p of aircraft sales and Bombardier Defense, adding that the offering is part of its focus on cabin amenities for the 3500.
“Collins Aerospace’s new Iridium satcom solution will provide Challenger 3500 operators with faster speeds, lower weight, and smaller antenna footprint than legacy satcom systems allowing for minimum drag and lower power usage while providing more efficient connectivity services for the passengers in the cabin,” added Nate Boelkins, v-p and general manager of business and regional avionics at Collins Aerospace.