Satcom Direct received type certification of the Plane Simple Ka-band terminal for Viasat‘s Jet ConneX inflight internet service, moving a step closer to installation of the latest hardware on business jets. After months of testing the approval confirms that the advanced new terminal, which is purpose-built for the business aviation sector, is fully compatible with Jet ConneX, keeping passengers connected wherever they fly.
Our Plane Simple Ka-band technology, combined with the new plans and our industry-leading customer support, adds further value to our offering. Customers require flexibility and consistency, and together with Viasat, we are committed to delivering a superior service that aligns with diverse operational budgets and individual customer demands.
– Chris Moore, Satcom Direct President
This milestone allows the companies to move forward with the supplemental type certification work, the final step in getting the hardware certified for installation and service on an aircraft, expected before the end of Q1 2024. It follows on the DO-160 Environmental Conditions and Test Procedures certification realized in December 2023.
The Plane Simple platform consists of just two components, a tail-mount antenna developed by QEST and two line-replaceable units. The minimal installation footprint reduces maintenance fees and provides an easy transition pathway to upgrade connectivity services.
It will connect to global coverage from the existing GX satellite constellation at launch. Is also supports the next-generation GX payloads, which take advantage of dual polarization signals to increase satellite capacity. SD claims its terminal is the first in the BizAv sector “to successfully optimize this technology.”
The company suggests eventual compatibility with Viasat‘s other Ka-band satellites, including the ViaSat-3 constellation. That will require an upgrade, however, and neither SD nor Viasat are offering details on what that upgrade will entail. Kai Tang, Head of Business Aviation at Viasat, confirms the terminal “will connect with our existing and next-generation Ka-band satellites.”
Satcom Direct also exclusively offers a “power by the hour” service option for inflight connectivity, allowing aircraft owners to pay by the hour for service rather than a fixed monthly subscription fee. That was one of several pricing plan updates announced by Viasat at NBAA 2023 last October.
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