Cabin Interior and Electronics
Flight Testing Proves Dual-dissimilar Satcom Benefits
Satcom Direct's dual dissimilar Plane Simple satcom installation will be available for aircraft that can accommodate two tail-mounted antennas.
Satcom Direct dual dissimilar satellite communications antenna installation
Satcom Direct has tested the dual dissimilar Plane Simple satcom antenna installation extensively on its Gulfstream G550. (Photo: Satcom Direct)

Satcom Direct has validated its dual-dissimilar satcom capabilities on its Gulfstream G550 testbed during daily flights and on a transatlantic flight from Rotterdam to Melbourne, Florida, in January. The dual-dissimilar setup consists of Satcom Direct’s Plane Simple Ku- and Ka-band antenna systems mounted together on the vertical fin of the G550.

The Ku-band Plane Simple antenna is available now, while the Ka-band system is set for entry into service in the fourth quarter. Running a dual-dissimilar satcom system adds significant additional bandwidth to and from the aircraft for both passengers and flight crew. On the nearly 10-hour transatlantic flight, there were 40 devices tapping the connectivity for video streaming, flight crew needs, entertainment, and many other applications, according to Satcom Direct.

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