Gilat Hughes Release Antenna for In-Flight Connectivity

Gilat and Hughes are set to unveil their new high-performance dual Ka- and Ku- band aero antenna on a single antenna platform. The new product is said to offer favorable weight and drag characteristics and it is based on a new platform.

Continuous broadband connectivity is made possible by the dual band capability of the antenna. This broadband connectivity makes it possible for passengers to use broadband on commercial aircraft travelling air routes that require a combination of Ka and Ku coverage for access along the full route.

The antenna meets the volume requirements for both Airbus and Boeing aircraft while also making the best use of its aperture size under the available volume. The antenna is compliant with open-standard specifications, having been developed by Hughes Aircraft Company in accordance with their RF and technical specifications. This makes it fully compatible with all aero modems.

Gilat is the one of the pair that has taken responsibility of developing and manufacturing the antenna as well as the KRFU, or RF unit, and the networking data unit. It also plays the role of development for the related Part Manufacturing Authorization licensing.

Both companies are looking for partnerships with their customer under multiple Supplemental Type Certifications. The Vice President of the Mobility Division at Gilat recently stated, ““The Gilat/Hughes partnership has resulted in one of the most innovative development projects in the global IFC space. The antenna development is based on our long-standing expertise in mobile satellite antennas and our industry leading aero transceivers and plays a key part in Gilat’s IFC strategy. We believe that the antenna will enable IFC service providers to select the most efficient satellite solution for global connectivity well into the future.”

“The new dual band aero antenna is a valuable and important addition to our global aeronautical system” said Paul Gaske, Executive Vice President, North America at Hughes, ““With this new antenna, airlines will now be able to enjoy uninterrupted connectivity for even the most challenging air routes that span geographies that are not served by a single satellite frequency band.”

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