Gilat Satellite Networks linked with a Telesat satellite (Telstar-19 Vantage) and used Gilat’s ESA aircraft-mounted terminal on a Boeing test aircraft to achieve what is claimed to be a milestone development in providing high-throughput in-flight connectivity.

The test used Honeywell’s Boeing 757 test aircraft.

Key to the test is an electronically steered antenna that fixes onto the roof of the aircraft, and connects to a Gilat modem. This ‘no moving parts’ device accessed Ka-band signals from the Canadian Telstar satellite.

In a statement, the team said: “Gilat’s high throughput antenna demonstrated remarkable scores with complete gate-to-gate operation. Gilat’s ESA has no moving parts, full electronic beam steering and a flat panel with an extremely low profile. Gilat’s innovative design combines the benefits of ESA with the advantages of Ka-band, as highlighted by the performance achieved in this testing. The ESA terminal can serve both GEO and Non-GSO constellations that operate in Ka-band and features Gilat’s aero modem.”

“Honeywell sees the electronically steered antenna as a key future technology, and this test is an important milestone showcasing its potential,” said Kevin Calcagni, CTO at Honeywell Connected Enterprise, Aerospace. “We have been investing in this technology for several years, and in parallel look to industry partners to innovate with us. We are pleased to successfully collaborate with Gilat in this pilot that again demonstrates Honeywell’s leadership position in the connectivity market.”

Liran Wiener, Director of SatCom On-the-Move Programmes at Gilat. “This exciting solution meets the communication needs of the aero market including both commercial and smaller jets that until now could not be served efficiently by existing solutions and opens up great opportunity for Gilat both over GEO satellites and Non-GEO constellations.”

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