Plane Simple, Plain Impressive

Satcom Direct (SD), a provider of global satellite communications systems, has confirmed the first installation of its Plane Simple antenna on a special mission aircraft. The Ku-band variant of SD’s system is being installed on a Brazilian-registered Embraer EMB-110 Bandeirante operated by Fototerra, an outfit specializing in airborne geographic data capture. The instance represents the first Plane Simple Ku-band installation in Latin America.

Satcom Direct is collaborating with Pro Aero, Brazil’s largest aeronautical certification company; Jazz Engenharia Aeronáutica, a Satcom Direct reseller; and Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) to generate the requisite STCs—which SD anticipates will be granted in time for installation of the system to commence in late August 2022 with an eye toward customer delivery in late September. To maximize its operating efficiency, the Plane Simple Ku-band antenna will be located atop the twin-turboprop Bandeirante’s fuselage.

Fototerra plans to utilize its new system to transmit data-dense files compiled during flight. The combination of the Plane Simple terminal and Intelsat FlexExec network will facilitate the real-time transmission of high-resolution images, hyperspectral images, lidar data, radar data, and infrared, ultraviolet, thermal, and fluorescence studies directly to Fototerra servers, customers, and regional authorities,

Fototerra CEO Gulherme Pinho remarks: “Reliable broadband data transmission will improve efficiencies, increase productivity and enhance the services we provide to our customers. We have been waiting for this capability for a long time and are enthusiastic about completing missions with the technology in place.”

Designed exclusively for business aviation, the Plane Simple terminal and Intelsat FlexExec network require only units—the SD Modem Unit and the SD Plane Simple Antenna—to activate data transmission.

Satcom Direct managing director Ewerton Libanio states: “Our aim with SD Plane Simple is to increase access to consistent, reliable, global connectivity solutions in a simplified format at cost-effective rates. This installation is a perfect example of how by collaborating with like-minded companies Pro Aero and Jazz, we can break into new territory regarding aircraft data transmission.”

Jazz Engenharia Aeronáutica sales director Felipe Nardi adds: “The advanced antenna system will replace current micro-wave technology which Fototerra uses to monitor the maritime coast on behalf of the oil and gas industry. The existing technology requires Fototerra to stay near the coastline to communicate images effectively. Once we’ve installed the terminal, this limitation will be removed.  We are excited to be the first company to undertake this type of installation on behalf of SD. We know it will streamline Fototerra operations and showcase the opportunities for similar aircraft types.”

The inaugural South American installation of the Plane Simple system underscores the continent’s rapid modernization and speaks to the emergence of both aircraft and technology markets apt to benefit the whole of the aerospace industry.

FMI: www.satcomdirect.com