Gilat Satellite Networks will develop an electronically steered antenna (ESA) in partnership with Satcom Direct, which will enable the Florida-based satcom provider to offer airborne connectivity on the OneWeb low-earth orbit constellation starting in 2025.
The ultra-low profile ESA will become part of Satcom Direct’s Plane Simple antenna family. Adding OneWeb services and hardware to Satcom Direct’s portfolio will expand the choices that business aviation operators have for OneWeb satcom, which until this announcement included just Gogo Business Aviation. Satcom Direct’s OneWeb service will be available for business aviation, government, and military customers.
The ESA will offer full duplex performance, according to Satcom Direct, “a key capability in a small-form [factor], power-efficient device that allows data to be sent and received simultaneously.” The ESA including radome will measure 2.5 inches thick (64 mm).
Satcom Direct’s Canadian hardware manufacturing division and OneWeb will develop the SD Modem Unit for the OneWeb satcom. According to Satcom Direct, OneWeb system speed is up to 195 Mbps download and 32 Mbps upload.
“The ESA terminal will provide genuine global coverage and superior bandwidth performance, complemented by ease of installation,” said Satcom Direct president Chris Moore. “This most advanced terminal will also address customer requests to lower aircraft drag, weight, and fuel burn.”