Gogo, working with Gulfstream and Jet Aviation, obtained supplemental type certification (STC) from EASA for a direct current (DC) variant of its Plane Simple Ka-band tail-mount terminal aboard the Gulfstream G280. The STC marked the first regulatory approval for a Plane Simple terminal powered by a DC flow rather than alternating current.
Available in the aftermarket through authorized Gulfstream and Jet Aviation service centers, the DC variant supports Viasat Jet ConneX service, maximizing global connectivity aboard the G280 and enabling heavy digital applications such as video streaming, live TV, video calls, file transfers, gaming, and virtual private networks.
Connecting to Viasat GX satellites, the DC variant will be capable of linking to future next-generation GX satellites transmitting dual-polarity signals, more than doubling the amount of data transmitted and received, Gogo said.
Jet Aviation installed the terminal on the super-midsize business jet at its maintenance center in Basel, Switzerland, for a German automotive supplier. Gogo developed the hardware in partnership with aeronautical antenna provider QEST. The terminal comprises two line replaceable units, a modem unit, and the tail-mount antenna.
“The latest STC in our growing portfolio showcases our commitment to delivering a portfolio of products that enables every type of business aircraft operator to access our connectivity services,” said Dave Falberg, senior v-p of sales in the EMEA region for Gogo.