Astronics AeroSat, a wholly owned subsidiary of leading global aerospace and defense technology company, Astronics Corporation, has received European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification for its next generation SATCOM connectivity system. The components certified include Astronics’ FliteStream F-310 SATCOM connectivity antenna and its new ARINC 791 style AeroShield radome and adapter plate solution. Further data is available in EASA Supplemental Type Certification (STC) 10068156.
Astronics AeroSat adds this latest certification to its list of inflight connectivity (IFC) certifications including the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Civil Aviation Administration of China.
According to Matthew Harrah, President of Astronics AeroSat, the completion of the EASA STC covering the AeroShield low-drag radome and FliteStream F-Series systems on the Airbus A320 series aircraft, including the A318, A319, A320, and A321 models; will enable Astronics to offer the global customer base a wireless connectivity hardware solution that includes installation plus all structural, antenna and radome system components. By completing both the Boeing 737NG and A320 STCs, the company is now able to offer airlines across the globe a full connectivity solution for the primary aircraft types serving regional and international routes.
Astronics AeroSat's FliteStream solutions are the only products available with patented lens-horn technology, which creates the most efficient, reliable and highest-performing SATCOM antenna system available. The FliteStream F-310 integrates next-generation satellite modem technology and is compatible with next generation Ku-band high throughput satellites (HTS), providing maximum internet and data speeds in a single antenna.
Key features of this solution include:
- Seamless connectivity for passengers to browse the internet, send and receive emails, make calls using Voice-Over-IP (VoIP), access virtual private network (VPN) services, conduct video conferences, and enjoy favorite work or entertainment applications
- Most efficient Ku-band SATCOM antenna system, critical for maintaining low angle satellite coverage while flying at higher latitudes, where most flights occur
- A three-piece LRU (Line-Replaceable Unit) system: antenna, antenna controller & modem, and high power transceiver
- Compliance with RTCA DO-160 and RTCA DO-178
Astronics AeroSat's AeroShield radome and adapter plate solution is the only next-generation ARINC 791 style solution that provides optimal Ku-band performance combined with the lowest drag design, while meeting all FAA & EASA bird strike safety requirements.
Key features of AeroShield include:
- Aerodynamic shape to reduce drag and increase fuel savings
- FAA & EASA bird strike compliance for large radome installations, to reduce certification time and cost
- Sealing robustness against fluid intrusion from water, ice, deicing fluids and other environmental conditions
- Advanced aluminum adapter plate design to minimize total IFC system weight
- Connectivity systems commonality & interchangeability across entire fleets
