ATLANTA, Ga., - Honeywell introduced a new mission communications terminal (MCT) and the latest supplemental type certificate for the installation of the Aspire 200 satellite communications system on the Bell B429 at this month's HAI Heli-Expo.
“Our latest technologies and certifications are helping the helicopter market reach a level of connectivity it has never reached before,” said Rick Buchanan, senior director of Commercial Helicopters and Aftermarket Partners, Honeywell Aerospace.
Honeywell’s new compact digital MCT satellite communications controller improves upon previous messaging and monitoring technology used by fleet operators. It does so via the addition of two-way texting and push-to-talk capabilities that make it easier to exchange information between flight dispatchers and aircraft. This enables a radio-like communications service regardless of distance. It also improves safety by delivering weather and mission updates quickly.
Available for delivery in late spring, the MCT supports all Iridium-based services, including tracking, messaging and push-to-talk.
Honeywell says it is committed to bringing reliable connectivity services to the helicopter industry with the attainment of the Federal Aviation Administration-approved supplemental type certificate (STC) for the installation of the Aspire 200 satellite communications system. Honeywell was awarded an STC for the Bell B429, which joins the Leonardo AW139, the Airbus Helicopters H125 (formerly AS350) and the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk platforms with approved STCs.
The Aspire 200 satellite communication system is Honeywell's smallest system for the Inmarsat SwiftBroadband network. It enables simultaneous voice and high-speed data connectivity at rates up to 650 kbps on all helicopter classes.
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