Rotorcraft
Outerlink To Offer Air IP Connectivity for Bell 407
Outerlink and partners are working toward FAA STC approval for installation of its low-cost wi-fi system in the Bell 407 helicopter.
Florida's Marion County Sheriff’s Office Bell 407 helicopter in flight a few feet above the ground with patient on hoist outside helicopter doorFlorida's Marion County Sheriff’s Office Bell 407 helicopter in flight a few feet above the ground with patient on hoist outside helicopter door
The Marion County (Florida) Sheriff’s office is providing its new Bell 407 for Outerlink's Air IP wi-fi system STC development and initial installation. (Photo: Outerlink)

Outerlink is collaborating to gain FAA supplemental type certificate (STC) approval for its Air IP connectivity system for the Bell 407 helicopter. Sterling Helicopter—which is providing the engineering for and will hold the STC—plans to seek installation approvals by year-end from international regulators, including EASA, Brazil’s ANAC, and Transport Canada, for use in more Part 27 and Part 29 helicopter models. The Marion County (Florida) Sheriff’s office (MSCO) is providing its Bell 407 for all related testing and initial installation to be performed by MRO AeroBrigham. 

“We are fully aware of satellite [connectivity] limitations for helicopters, so we decided to build a system that could keep the customers connected and provide them with a triple redundant bonded [ground-based] network that would minimize any loss of service or interruption during flight,” said Jeff Warner, Outerlink v-p.