Private jet operators will soon have a new option for connecting to the OneWeb satellite constellation. Gilat and Satcom Direct have teamed to develop an electronically steered antenna (ESA) terminal as part of SD’s Plane Simple antenna line, with availability expected in 2025.
The ESA terminal will provide genuine global coverage and superior bandwidth performance, complemented by ease of installation.
– Chris Moore, President at Satcom Direct
The new terminal will combine antenna systems from Gilat and a modem from Satcom Direct. The companies will work with OneWeb to ensure compatibility and certification on the LEO constellation.
The companies are targeting a 2.5″ tall terminal, with an integrated radome, to keep drag to a minimum. The full-duplex design will also deliver higher throughput and truly synchronous communications on and off the aircraft.
“We are honored to have been selected by Satcom Direct to provide them with our expertise to develop this new ESA product,” said Adi Sfadia, Gilat CEO. “Together, we will create a next-generation ESA to support the dynamic connectivity demands of the global business aviation sector with a best-in-class antenna. The agreement gives us the opportunity to expand our proven technology know-how in commercial aviation and to showcase our expertise alongside Satcom Direct, the only company dedicated to delivering satcom connectivity to business and government aviation worldwide. It is a major milestone for Gilat as we extend our global IFC leadership in commercial aviation to business aviation, as well as into our strategic focus area in government and defense.”
This deal is at least the third partner announced by Satcom Direct for OneWeb connectivity in the business aviation, government, and defense markets. In May 2022 the company announced QEST as a hardware provider. That was followed by a December 2022 announcement of Stellar Blu’s Sidewinder offering as an option.
The company confirms that the Gilat deal is an expansion of its partnerships, not a replacement of any other ESA solution. A company spokesperson explained it as an “active expansion of the portfolio in line with the agnostic approach to develop a complete suite of connectivity services for customers. This is to ensure Satcom Direct has the most suitable technology available to meet mission requirements.”
Additionally, Gogo announced an exclusive deal with Hughes for its ESA for OneWeb connectivity in June 2022. That deal was expanded to include a full duplex model in May 2023. Like the Satcom Direct options, Gogo expects its Hughes hardware to be available for installations in late 2024 or early 2025.
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