[SatNews] Boeing [NYSE: BA] has successfully conducted its first over-the-air ground test of a Ka-band satellite communications (SATCOM) phased-array antenna system that will enable wideband SATCOM on aircraft, providing increased bandwidth for networking in flight.

This third-generation antenna system gives commercial and military aircraft operators worldwide the ability to offer communications using the growing fleet of commercial K- and Ka-band satellites. The low-profile antenna is also an option for government operators using military satellites such as the Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) system. The active phased array system uses electronically controlled beams to transmit and receive signals from a designated satellite. The test demo'd the new system’s ability to support a range of applications, including file transfer and a Voice over Internet Protocol videoconference.

The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) has also reported fourth-quarter net income of $1.2 billion, or $1.56 per share, on revenue of $16.6 billion. The results reflect solid performance across the company's core programs, a favorable tax settlement (+$0.50 per share), and a special one-time contribution to Boeing's charitable trust (-$0.05 per share). Net income for the full year was $3.3 billion, or $4.45 per share, on revenue of $64.3 billion, which included the $0.45 per share net impact of the favorable tax settlement and the charitable trust contribution. First-quarter 2010 included a $0.20 per share tax charge on health care legislation. Earnings per share for 2009 of $1.84 included a combined $3.58 per share impact due to the 787 R&D reclassification and 747 charges. Earnings guidance for 2011 has been established at between $3.80 and $4.00 per share reflecting solid core performance, higher pension expense, the revised 787 schedule and the current defense contracting environment. To download the entire financial report as a ".pdf," access this direct link.