Modular, Turnkey Installation Highlighted for Ease, Cost, and Turnaround

Gogo Business Aviation has given the Plane Simple Electronically Steered Antenna its blessing after capping off a battery of flight tests.

The announcement came by way of their work alongside MAG Aerospace, “a premier innovator of defense technology,” as they put an aircraft through a series of “gate-to-gate continuous operations through all planned maneuvers, including standard taxi, take-off, and landing, as well as more challenging racetrack, figure-of-eight patterns, ascent/descent profiles, and hard bank movements up to 30 degrees.” Along the way, MAG tested out the antenna’s reaction to abrupt power loss and muting, finding systems quickly and painlessly reconnected without the need for delicate human intervention.
 
The full-duplex ESA is under development in conjunction with Gilat Satellite Networks Limited, aimed at supporting upper echelon clients with connectivity to Eutelsat’s OneWeb constellation. The ESA will supposedly be put to use by “VVIP, head-of-state, government, and special missions operators”, subtly highlighting its position on the cost-capability spectrum. The ESA antenna was able to maintain a solid, lasting connection to Netflix, YouTube, and corporate VPNs to the point of running multiple 8K-resolution streams. That level of throughput is good news for those with multiple passengers using service simultaneously, allowing for no shortage of remote work done in the air.

MAG Aerospace’s Universal Adapter Plate found itself at the core of the testing protocol, mounted on a Cessna Caravan. Gogo speaks highly of its testing setup, since it makes use of a “turnkey radome system” and modular MAG satellite communications equipment to eschew costly installation and recertification issues. That layout also lends itself quite easily to quick and painless upgrades, too, whether plonked on the outside of ISR turboprops or long-range, large-cabin aircraft.
 
“The system performed flawlessly throughout the test program and did not require remedial intervention at any point, highlighting the capability of this multi-purpose antenna,” explains Chris Moore, CEO, Gogo. “As the third antenna in the Plane Simple series, we’re excited to see it move one step closer to market introduction and commercial service. Its flexible applications and ability to support distinct and varied missions add real value to our growing terminal portfolio as we continue delivering purpose-built, future-proofed connectivity solutions.” 

FMI: www.gogoair.com