Cobham SATCOM’s AVIATOR 300 SwiftBroadband solution has received a European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for its use aboard a range of Cessna aircraft.
Aviator 300
Developed by Cobham SATCOM partner and avionics specialist Scandinavian Avionics, the STC covers the Cessna 550, 550 Bravo and S550 and provides further opportunities for application to the Cessna 500, 552 and 560 series with separate certification approvals.
The STC for the light corporate jet includes the installation and activation of the AVIATOR 300’s built-in Wi-Fi option and use of the AVIATOR Wireless Handset, providing a compact and complete broadband solution for an extensive range of communication capabilities.
Michael R Truelsen, President at Scandinavian Avionics, said: “We see a big potential for this STC as the Cessna Citation series aircraft are very well represented in Europe. We have already had a huge interest for such installations so we are particularly pleased to announce that we have the STC available on the AVIATOR 300 for these Cessna models.
“This STC is significant because we are planning to expand the STC to cover the Cessna 500, 552 and 560 series as well. We can also use the data from this STC to cover the AVIATOR 200 system, with the Low Gain Antenna, if a customer wants an even smaller and lighter system.
Cessna
“The AVIATOR 300 is very well suited to all business jet aircraft as the office in the sky functionality is key in the business jet market. Passengers will be able to use their own devices, such as tablets and smartphones, as the STC includes WiFi functionality in the cabin for use of the internet at rates up to 332 kbps, while the wireless handset is available for voice connectivity to the ground.”
The AVIATOR 300 features a compact and lightweight Intermediate Gain Antenna (IGA) to ensure a low profile on the fuselage. With data speeds up to 332 kbps, the system provides for fast and reliable connectivity on Inmarsat SwiftBroadband services, supporting high quality, low-cost voice calling and the full complement of data services.
The AVIATOR 300 is part of Cobham’s cutting-edge SwiftBroadband product portfolio and provides a cost effective solution for a wide range of airframes, with a full range of features and options. In addition to the Cessna aircraft, the system has been certified for several key aircraft including the Citation X, G200, Embraer 135 (Legacy 600/650) and Bombardier Challenger 300. The full Cobham SATCOM AVIATOR range includes the AVIATOR 700 and 700D, AVIATOR 350 with High Gain Antenna (HGA), AVIATOR 300 with IGA as well as the exceptionally compact and lightweight AVIATOR 200 with Low Gain Antenna (LGA). For further information please visit www.cobham.com/satcom.
Bombardier’s Challenger 300
Cobham SATCOM has announced on the second day of EBACE that its versatile SwiftBroadband communication solution, AVIATOR 300, has received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for installation on Bombardier’s Challenger 300. EBACE 2013 runs from May 21 to 23 in Geneva, Switzerland. Cobham SATCOM is located at Stand 2107.
The compact and lightweight system with Intermediate Gain Antenna (IGA) has been approved for installation by Cobham SATCOM partner Aero-Dienst GmbH & Co.KG and includes the system’s use for in-flight Wi-Fi aboard the popular super-midsize business jet.
The announcement follows yesterday’s confirmation that the AVIATOR 300 has received a European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) STC for its use aboard the Cessna 550, 550 Bravo and S550. The system has now been certified for several key aircraft including the Citation X, G200 and Embraer 135 (Legacy 600/650).
A single solution for simultaneous global voice and high speed data, the AVIATOR 300 will allow the large corporate operator to offer wireless connectivity on-board the Challenger 300, to support the use of Wi-Fi enabled devices such as laptops, tablets and smart phones.
“We are delighted to announce the receipt of an STC for use of Cobham’s AVIATOR 300 on-board the Bombardier Challenger 300,” said Martin Bauer, Managing Director of Aero-Dienst. “The AVIATOR 300 is the perfect solution because it offers a complete broadband solution for both voice and data, with fast and reliable connectivity, but is also sufficiently small and lightweight with a low profile which is ideal for the Challenger 300.”
AVIATOR 300 is half the size and weight of traditional communications systems and provides connectivity to support applications including calling, emailing, browsing and video streaming to the office on the ground. The IGA installation provides full SwiftBroadband capabilities with data speeds up to 332 kbps.
Henri Broussalian, Sales Director EMEA for Cobham SATCOM, said: “The AVIATOR 300 is extremely versatile and has proven capability in a variety of environments, such as business, military, government and air transport operations. This STC is another advance towards increasing the system’s availability to the huge range of relevant users who will be able to benefit from modern in-flight communications in the future.”
The AVIATOR 300 is part of Cobham’s SwiftBroadband product portfolio and provides a cost effective solution for a wide range of airframes, with a full range of features and options.
The flexible modes of operation means that users can choose Quality of Service (QoS), which ensures guaranteed bandwidth in steps on a pay-per-minute basis, or the always-on background connection, where cost depends on the amount of data transferred.
Business aviation specialists Aero-Dienst took over registration and maintenance for the Challenger 300 just over four years ago. Tagged ‘the flying office’, the 68.7 ft corporate jet can accommodate eight to ten passengers and is known as a worldwide leader in its segment due to its exceptional reliability, performance and wide cabin comfort.
