SKYTRAC Systems Ltd. (SKYTRAC), an aerospace intelligent connectivity and satellite communications (satcom) company, has announced that its low earth orbit (LEO) broadband Iridium Certus communications system, the SDL-350, has gained official Iridium approval to provide the aviation industry with advanced, truly global L-band connectivity at up to 704 Kbps.
The new system, which provides a leap in truly global bandwidth, features low size, weight, and power (SWaP), making it an ideal satellite communications system for fixed-wing, rotorcraft, and advanced air mobility platforms alike.
“When we commenced development of the SDL-350, we recognized the growing demand for low latency, truly global broadband satellite communications in a small, lightweight form factor,” mentions Gilles Bessens, vice president of engineering, SKYTRAC.
“With the official nod of approval from Iridium, we can now provide platforms such as fixed-wing aircraft, rotorcraft, UAVs, and UAMs with up to 704 Kbps for a variety of industry applications.”
The multifunctional system enables a host of mission services including satellite and cellular connectivity for cabin and crew, real-time video downlinking, beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) communications, automated post-flight data offloading, flight data monitoring, satellite push-to-talk, VoIP communications, and more.
Safety services, real-time HUMS alerting, and radio over IP capabilities are also scheduled into the roadmap.
SKYTRAC’s SDL-350 has secured numerous launch customers across nearly every segment of aviation including air medical, business aviation, law enforcement, military and defense, search-and-rescue (SAR), offshore oil-and-gas, uncrewed aviation and urban air mobility,
“Not only is this a significant milestone for SKYTRAC, but also Iridium,” said Bryan Hartin, executive vice president, Sales and Marketing, Iridium.
“The wide-breadth and capability of the SDL-350 makes it a critical piece of equipment for aerospace operators, and we’re excited to see the continuous development of cost-effective and reliable products in a new L-band speed class unlike anything that exists in the market today.”
