Any business jet manufacturer in today's market knows you won't get very far with potential customers without offering some kind of onboard satellite communications system.

Bombardier knows this well... and earlier this week, International Communications Group (ICG) announced it had been selected by Bombardier to provide ICG Iridium satellite communication systems as standard equipment on all new Challenger 605 widebody business jets -- rounding out the availability of Iridium systems on its full line of bizjets.

The new aircraft will be fitted with ICG’s ICS-200 dual-channel Iridium satellite phone systems, which will provide global voice and data services. The ICS-200 (above, right) incorporates two Iridium transceivers, using a single antenna, with an internal cabin telecommunications unit (CTU), providing a stand-alone, comprehensive communication system. 

"ICG has a long relationship as an OEM supplier of Iridium systems to Bombardier," said Armin Jabs, president of ICG. "Our Iridium terminals are standard equipment on Challenger 300, Challenger 604, Challenger 605, Bombardier Global 5000 and Global Express XRS business jets and are available as standard equipment on all Learjet aircraft. We take great pride in the fact that the ICG communications solutions are now available for all Bombardier business aircraft product families."

Bombardier’s new Challenger 605 widebody business jet is scheduled to enter service in the third quarter of 2007. Its avionics suite features the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 system, which provides pilots with instant, intuitive access to critical flight information on four 10" by 12" (25.4 cm by 30.5 cm) vertically aligned, next-generation LCD screens, as well as the Rockwell Collins Integrated Flight Information System (IFIS) with electronic, chart-based navigation.

International Communications Group, Inc. (ICG) of Newport News, VA develops mobile communications integration, automation and management systems. ICG provides products and solutions for aeronautical voice and data services to the general aviation industry. Products include: CTU systems, corded and cordless handsets, single and multi-channel Iridium systems and data management devices.

FMI: www.bombardier.com, www.icg.aero