Story ID: 
Strong AeroLink Mounts Starlink Mini Antenna Externally
By: Matt Thurber
Caption: Product can be installed as a major alteration on Part 23 airplanes
Word Count: 217
At the AEA Convention in Dallas this week, Strong Aero Engineering introduced the AeroLink GA system for installing a Starlink Mini satcom antenna in a secure mount on the top of the aircraft fuselage. Pilots have been using Starlink Mini systems in temporary mounting setups inside their aircraft, but Strong Aero is the first to offer a permanent external mount.
The first installation for testing purposes was on a Beechcraft King Air B200. According to company president and CEO Trevor Strong, the AeroLink kit is designed for Part 23 airplanes and can be installed as a major alteration with an FAA Form 337. The kit is not approved under a supplemental type certificate.
Four holes need to be drilled into the fuselage to mount the kit’s fuselage adapter plate, as well as a feed-through hole for the cable to the antenna. The Starlink mini antenna fits inside the Aero Mount aluminum enclosure, which attaches to the adapter with four 10-32 fasteners.
The AeroLink kit retails for $30,000. SpaceX recently updated Starlink Mini aviation services, and these are now available in two packages: Aviation 300MPH (up to 261 knots) for $250 per month and 20 GB plus $10 per GB overage; and Aviation 450MPH (up to 391 knots) for $1,000 per month and 20 GB plus $50 per GB overage.