SwiftJet, Viasat’s fastest-yet L-band aircraft connectivity service, recently completed over-the-air and flight testing through a Honeywell terminal upgrade. The tests successfully demonstrated four-channel aggregation over Viasat’s satellites and radio access network through the Honeywell HD-710 multi-channel satellite certification terminal.
“SwiftJet’s results represent a major leap forward for L-band connectivity,” said Mark Goodman, senior director of product management for Honeywell Aerospace. “Honeywell and Viasat have now proven the technology from end-to-end across the satellite network, giving our customers confidence to proceed with SwiftJet commercial deployment and entry into service by the end of the year.”
The tests verified the performance reliability and strength, including through spot beam transitions, meeting expectations. Providing seamless global coverage, SwiftJet will enable business aircraft passengers to connect through the internet, email, text, and video calls.
SwiftJet will provide speeds of 2.6 Mbps, up to six times faster than Viasat’s existing L-band business aviation connection, through Honeywell’s terminals, including HD-710, HSD-440, HSD-400, and Aspire 400. These terminals are already installed on many Gulfstream, Dassault, and Embraer business jets.
New terminals will begin shipping and a service bulletin will be available for purchase in the fourth quarter. The service will be offered on monthly data plans, eliminating the need to pay per minute of use or to lease capacity.
“SwiftJet has rewritten the rules of what’s possible with L-band connectivity for business aviation. It has unlocked previously unachievable capabilities so passengers can stay in touch, in control, and entertained wherever they fly, from the busiest airspace to the most remote locations,” said Melinda Janda, v-p of business aviation commercial strategy for Viasat.