EASA approves Gogo STC for DC flow Plane Simple tail mount
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Gogo’s supplemental type certificate (STC) for a direct current variant of Plane Simple Ka-band tail mount terminal for the Gulfstream G280 has been approved by EASA.
It marks the first time a Plane Simple antenna has received regulatory approval for a terminal powered by direct current (DC) flow rather than alternating current (AC). The DC option enables distribution of high-speed broadband, powered by Viasat’s Jet ConneX service.
The STC was achieved in partnership with Gulfstream and Jet Aviation, with the antenna installed by Jet Aviation at its maintenance center in Basel, Switzerland.
Dave Falberg, Gogo, senior vice president sales, EMEA, said: “The latest STC in our growing portfolio showcases our commitment to delivering a portfolio of products that enables every type of business aircraft operator to access our connectivity services. We can modify our products to integrate with the varying requirements and configurations of in-service airframes while simultaneously equipping a connectivity system purpose-built to maintain pace with the changing connectivity landscape.”
The G280 owner, a large German automotive supplier, will use the DC antenna for digitally heavy applications, including video streaming, live TV, video calls and file transfers.
The DC variant connects with existing Viasat GX satellites and also to future GX satellites, which, on deployment, will transmit dual polarity signals, more than doubling the amount of data being transmitted and received, according to Gogo.
“We are determined to make our connectivity options available to every owner that seeks high-speed broadband, and this STC confirms we are on track to meet the diverse missions of our business aviation, military, and government customers,” added Falberg.
The hardware has been developed in partnership with aeronautical antenna specialist QEST. The design of the Plane Simple terminal consists of two line replaceable units, a modem unit and the tail-mount antenna. This minimises installation times, reduces maintenance fees and, located in the unpressurised part of the fuselage, frees up cabin space.
The Ka-band aftermarket solution is now available for installation through authorised Gulfstream and Jet Aviation service centres.
