Honeywell has received FAA technical standard order approval for its new Type J diplexer/low-noise amplifier (DLNA), which is designed to mitigate interference by certain terrestrial and cellular networks with L-band satellite communications. Typically, business aviation operators use L-band for safety services functions such as FANS 1/A messaging, and ancillary terrestrial component and LTE and 5G cellular networks being deployed can cause such interference because they operate in frequency bands adjacent to Inmarsat’s L-band network, according to Honeywell.
No changes to the aircraft’s wiring, connector interfaces, or mounting provisions are needed when replacing existing diplexers with the Type J DLNA. All operators with Class 6 or 7 satcoms can upgrade to the new diplexer.
“There has been growing concern globally that certain 5G services could interfere with some aircraft satcom systems, and the Type J DLNA can limit those effects,” said Honeywell Aerospace v-p and general manager of services and connectivity Steve Hadden. “With the upgrade, airlines and aircraft operators will continue to have access to Future Air Navigation System [FANS] routes, which allow airplanes to fly at their optimum altitudes and burn less fuel. That creates a significant reduction in flight durations and fuel costs while improving overall flight safety.”