EMS Technologies, Inc. has announced that for the first time its renowned AMT-50 multi-channel SATCOM antenna has been installed and integrated with the HSD-128 high-speed data terminal aboard a helicopter.

TC Communications performed the installation on a Boeing 234 twin-rotor helicopter for the National Fire Administration (NFA) of Taiwan. This helicopter is used for disaster management and search-and-rescue missions, and has been operational since November 11, 2003.

The NFA selected EMS’s AMT-50 multi-channel SATCOM antenna and HSD-128 highspeed data terminal combination to reliably send live video and real-time airborne imagery to a mission control center and to mobile units on the ground. The video transmission is managed by TC Communications’ ‘Eye in the Sky’ system to merge video inputs from various aircraft sources and disseminate those feeds via the Inmarsat Swift64 service at 128kbps.

“The HSD-128 has led the market since we introduced it over two years ago, and I am very excited that this technology has now been employed for the first time on a helicopter,” says Dr. Neil Mackay, senior vice president and general manager of EMS Technologies’ SATCOM Division.

“TC’s ‘Eye in the Sky’ system is a breakthrough for aviation communications, and bringing it to a helicopter has proven the reliability of both EMS equipment and the Inmarsat service,” said Todd McDonell, CEO of TC Communications. ”We are extremely pleased with our partnership with EMS SATCOM. The ongoing commitment of this partnership has resulted in the rapid delivery of a helicopter Satcom solution to market.”

FMI: www.tc.com.au, www.nfa.gov.tw/nfa_e/nfa_e.aspx, www.ems-t.com, AEA Booth 709