Outerlink Air IP Comms System Now Available on Bell 407

The FAA has approved Outerlink Global Solutions’ supplemental type certificate for installation of its Air IP broadband communications system on the Bell 407 helicopter. Air IP’s secure communications capability is designed for public safety, emergency medical, corporate, and utility operators.

With Air IP, Bell 407 operators get real-time HD video streaming, flight data transfer, and an onboard Wi-Fi network. Connectivity is via bonded cellular networks and includes enterprise-grade encryption, according to Outerlink. This includes end-to-end encrypted virtual private network architecture.

Outerlink is developing a fourth node in its patented bonding architecture by integrating Starlink low-earth-orbit satcom. This will create “a ‘super signal’ that combines satellite and cellular networks into an optimized stream for global, uninterrupted coverage,” the company said.

Examples of Air IP users include the Westchester County Police Department in New York and Marion County Sheriff’s Office in Florida, both of which are using Air IP to replace legacy microwave systems. This enables “real-time video transmission and enhanced situational awareness, all while avoiding the infrastructure limitations and high costs of traditional systems,” Outerlink said. In an example of a corporate operation, “a customer conducted a live videoconference call from Hartford to Boston at 2,500 feet and 145 knots, with no interruptions in service.”