Broadband Solution to Provide Aeromedical Connectivity

SKYTRAC Systems Ltd., a Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada-based maker of aerospace intelligent connectivity and satellite communications solutions has announced its Low Earth Orbit (LEO) broadband Iridium Certus communications system, the SDL-350, has been selected by Carson Air, a provider of fixed-wing air ambulance services in British Columbia. The latter concern will retrofit its fleet of King Air 360 twin-turboprops with subject system.

Recently granted official Iridium approval to provide global L-band connectivity at up to 704 Kbps, the SKYTRAC SDL-350 broadband communication system will improve situational awareness of Carson Air’s pilots while allowing the operator’s flight paramedics to liaise with medical professionals on the ground via inflight internet, video-conferencing, and voice communications.

SKYTRAC’s SDL-350 satellite communications terminal will replace multiple legacy systems aboard Carson Air’s King Air 360s, thereby affording the crews of such truly global satellite connectivity, medical data transfer, telemedicine video conferencing, EFB connectivity, and engine and flight data acquisition.

By virtue of the future-proofing inherent SKYTRAC’s SDL-350 architecture, Carson Air positions itself to better meet the provisions of its ten-year, $200-million medevac contract with the Province of British Columbia.

Carson Air president Kevin Hillier stated: “With Carson Air’s recent contract award, it was clear that we needed future-proof technology that aids us in becoming more efficient, responsive, and ultimately, provide better care to patients while inflight. Once we became aware of SKYTRAC’s SDL-350, it was clear that it was the best path forward for both our flight operations and medical teams.”

The retrofitting of Carson Air’s King Air 360 fleet with SKYTRAC’s SDL-350 system will be conducted by HeliMods, an Australian special mission integrator and interior modifications firm with a presence in British Columbia, Canada.

HeliMods founder and managing director Will Shrapnel set forth: “At HeliMods, we pride ourselves on our ability to deliver complex, multifaceted aircraft and interior upgrades for our global customer base. We’re always seeking the latest technologies for our partners, and SKYTRAC’s SDL-350 will seamlessly integrate with onboard systems to provide the latest capabilities for Carson Air’s growing fleet and mission requirements. We look forward to the completion of this exciting project.”

FMI: www.skytrac.ca