Gogo has confirmed STC approval from EASA for a direct current (DC) variant of the Plane Simple Ka-band tail-mount terminal for Gulfstream G280 aircraft types.
This represents the first time a Plane Simple antenna has received regulatory approval for a terminal powered by DC flow rather than alternating current (AC). The DC option supports the distribution of high-speed broadband, powered by the Viasat Jet ConneX service, to passengers and crew travelling on the super-midsize jet.
The STC was achieved in partnership with Gulfstream and Jet Aviation; the antenna was installed by Jet Aviation at its maintenance centre in Basel, Switzerland. The Plane Simple Ka-band aftermarket solution is now available for installation through authorised Gulfstream and Jet Aviation service centres worldwide.
The G280 owner, a large German automotive supplier, will use the DC Plane Simple Ka-band antenna for global connectivity coverage. The antenna is designed to support digitally heavy applications, including video streaming, live TV, video calls, file transfers, gaming, and virtual private networks.
The DC variant connects with existing Viasat GX satellites and future next-generation GX satellites, which, on deployment, will transmit dual polarity signals, which Gogo said will more than double the amount of data being transmitted and received.
The customer will also have access to the Gogo ecosystem, which provides global customer support, tailored training and cybersecurity services.
“The latest STC in our growing portfolio showcases our commitment to delivering a portfolio of products that enables every type of business aircraft operator to access our connectivity services,” said Dave Falberg, Gogo’s SVP of sales, EMEA. “We can modify our products to integrate with the varying requirements and configurations of in-service airframes while simultaneously equipping a connectivity system purpose-built to maintain pace with the changing connectivity landscape. We are determined to make our connectivity options available to every owner that seeks high-speed broadband, and this STC confirms we are on track to meet the diverse missions of our business aviation, military and government customers.”
The hardware has been developed in partnership with QEST, an aeronautical antenna supplier. The terminal consists of two line replaceable units, a modem unit, and the tail-mount antenna. This is intended to minimise installation time, reduce maintenance fees, and, as it is located in the unpressurised part of the fuselage, free up cabin space.
Gogo provides cabin connectivity service plans on both in-production and in-service legacy aircraft for the Gulfstream Connectivity Service programme.
