Honeywell has introduced its new Aspire 150 and Aspire 350 satellite communications systems, which will use the new Iridium satellite constellation to provide civilian and military jet, airline and helicopter operators with better connectivity.
Iridium NEXT will complete its launch in 2018 and will replace the existing Iridium network to meet the growing demand for global mobile communications. The network replacement will be one of the largest technology upgrades ever completed in space, and will provide voice and data coverage across the globe.
Honeywell's systems will provide Iridium Certus services, Iridium’s communications platform, on the new network.
The Aspire 150 and 350 systems will allow pilots to maintain up-to-date information throughout their flight path, and operators can use this technology to get global high-speed connectivity of up to 700kbps.
Both systems are smaller than previous generations and have an embedded router to further reduce weight.
Aspire 350 also supports a global future air navigation system (FANS) datalink for pilots to take advantage of preferred routing worldwide, as well as satellite voice capabilities and a backup satellite communications system.
“Aspire 150 and 350 build upon the success of our previous systems in the air transport, business jet, military and helicopter markets,” said Warren Nechtman, vice president of Connectivity Systems, Honeywell Aerospace. “These latest additions to the Aspire product line provide an easy upgrade for aircraft with or without previously installed satellite communications equipment, increasing both cockpit and cabin connectivity and enabling faster data speeds.”
Honeywell told ADM that it intends to market the new systems to Defence.
“Aspire 350 provides pole-to-pole high speed voice and data connectivity to military customers. It operates reliably in all weather conditions, offering the flexible and scalable Iridium Certus services up to 700kbps”, Mark Goodman, product director at Honeywell Aerospace. “Aspire 350 enables real time ISR, in-transit briefing, and persistent surveillance. It is a turnkey solution for airborne beyond line-of-site communications.”
“Aspire 150 will fit helos, UAVs and other military transports/ISR platforms to provide highly reliable connectivity globally.”