First STC Expected To Be Completed By End Of The Year

The first ever business aviation flight test for Iridium OpenPort Aero system was completed without any issues in late October. The Iridium OpenPort Aero service leverages Iridium’s worldwide network of satellites, allowing users to stay connected via Wi-Fi to their Smartphone, tablet or laptop from takeoff to landing and pole-to-pole anywhere in the world.  Iridium OpenPort Aero provides bi-directional speeds of up to 134kbps and features three independent phone lines, enabling simultaneous voice and data connectivity.  

The groundbreaking hour long flight test took place Friday, October 26, on a Bombardier Challenger 604. The testing crew utilized four iPads and two smart phones to test speed levels, access web sites, download data, send email and texts and make phones calls over the Iridium network. 

Aboard the flight were test engineers for LiveTV as well as the director of maintenance and chief pilot for the aircraft. Technology partner LiveTV, has adapted the Iridium OpenPort technology for use in a wide range of aeronautical platforms and applications. “The pilot was downloading weather information onto his iPad,” said LiveTV Flight Engineer Chris Brown.  “To have this system installed for the first time, fly with it for the first time, and have it come off flawlessly - was very exciting.”

The first Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) is expected to be completed by the end of 2012 for the Bombardier Challenger 601-3A/3R, 604 and 605 models.  Additional aircraft model STC’s are planned for next year.

FMI: www.greenwichaerogroup.com