First Aviation-Iridium Satcom To Demonstrate Connectivity At Up To 700 kbps

Honeywell and Iridium have partnered to become a Value-Added Manufacturer for aviation terminals operating on the Iridium NEXT network. Honeywell’s Aspire 150 and 350 systems are the first aviation Satcom systems that will demonstrate connectivity under Iridium Certus service at up to 700 kbps.

Easy to install, these new systems minimize costs and aircraft downtime. After downsizing from previous generations, the Aspire 150 and Aspire 350 will help minimize fuel consumption as well. Aspire 150 provides operators with fast and cost-effective connectivity. Aspire 350 provides these same benefits but with the addition of global Future Air Navigation System datalink. This allows pilots to take advantage of preferred routing worldwide and cockpit satellite voice capabilities. It provides legacy Iridium cockpit safety services and Certus high-speed voice and data connectivity in a compact, lightweight package.
 
“We have made great technological strides with our Aspire 150 and 350 systems since announcing the products in 2018,” said Mark Goodman, director, product management, Honeywell Aerospace. “We have successfully transmitted over the Iridium network at speeds up to 700 kbps with pre-qualification form, fit and function aviation equipment. This demonstrates not only our great progress toward certification, but also our commitment to bring the best and latest high-speed connectivity to our customers around the world.”
 
Certification is planned for Q4 of 2021 for both the Aspire 150 and 350. Milestones thus far include Honeywell’s successful connection to Iridium NEXT satellites, along with the transmission of data over the satellite network. This connectivity was attained by using a very small, light-active high-gain antenna. Other components in this system include a satellite data unit, its configuration, and a low gain antenna.

FMI: www.aerospace.honeywell.com/us/en/learn/products/satellite-communications/