Aimed At G200 Business Jet Community

Gulfstream Aerospace says it's now offering high-speed Internet and e-mail capability for its large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G200 business jet.

Earlier this month, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an STC that approves installation of the High-Speed Data System (HSDS) in G200 business jets. In addition to being offered as a retro-fit for in-service G200 aircraft, the system is an equipment option for new G200 business jets.

"For more than 40 years, Gulfstream has provided business executives, heads of states and governments with well-appointed, comfortable cabin environments in which to work – essentially offices in the sky," said Bryan Moss, president, Gulfstream. “With this new high-speed data capability, we’ve significantly improved the airborne office. Now, people who need to be connected, no matter where they are, have the peace of mind of knowing they are only a phone call or finger strokes away from those they need to keep in touch with.”

In addition to the G200, Gulfstream offers internet capability on other models in its fleet of business jets. In October 2004, the FAA issued the first STC enabling the manufacturer to install the Gulfstream Broad Band Multi-Link (BBML) system on a GIV aircraft. One month later, the GV received its multiple STC for BBML installations.

Like Gulfstream’s BBML system, the G200’s High-Speed Data System is a satellite-based system. Four Inmarsat geostationary satellites ensure fast and reliable communication anywhere in the world, with the exception of the extreme North and South Poles.

The High-Speed Data System comprises the Thrane & Thrane A/S Aero-HSD+ SATCOM suite, which includes the light-weight fuselage-mounted Chelton Inc. HGA-7000 antenna, and two high-speed Swift64 channels at a combined transmission speed of 128 kilobytes-per-second. With HSDS, multiple G200 passengers can e-mail, surf the Internet and connect with ground-based office networks using Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) protocol. Additionally, passengers can retrieve and download large files and e-mail using Mobile Packet Data Service (MPDS).

FMI: www.generaldynamics.com