SDR

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has given approval to Gulfstream Aerospace to install the next-generation Satcom Direct Router (SDR) for cabin communications on Gulfstream G550 and G450 aircraft.

The SDR is designed to offer 3G cellular connectivity worldwide and supports mobile applications for onboard cabin services, including a moving map and flight tracker, command and control of satellite links, and real-time connection status reporting.

The solution is said to provide advanced technology in data compression and acceleration. It interfaces with ViaSat’s Ku-band and Honeywell’s SwiftBroadband systems, and with future connectivity systems, including Ka-band.

Gulfstream product support sales and new business development vice-president Mike West said: "The addition of a smart router allows for more communications options in the cabin, including Satcom Direct’s GlobalVT, which allows passengers to use their personal smartphones to call and text in flight.

"The addition of a smart router allows for more communications options in the cabin."

"Just as they would if they were on the ground, outgoing calls show the passengers’ personal phone number and incoming calls display the number of the person calling them."

Weighing less than 10lb, the equipment can be installed inside the cabin or avionics bay. It will be available as standard on new G550 and G450 aircraft, and as a retrofit for in-service G550s and G450s.

To access Satcom Direct’s GlobalVT service, passengers need to download a mobile app on their smartphones.

Gulfstream said its service centres have exclusive rights to install the equipment.

The facilities are located in Savannah and Brunswick, Georgia; Westfield, Massachusetts; Appleton, Wisconsin; Las Vegas; Long Beach, California; Dallas; West Palm Beach, Florida; Luton, England; Sorocaba, Brazil; and in Beijing.

Image: A Satcom Direct Router that supports mobile apps for onboard cabin services. Photo: courtesy of Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation.