HAWTHORNE, Calif., - ThinKom Solutions, Inc. in Hawthorne, Calif., have announced their new hybrid inflight internet service for commercial airlines. The modular ThinAir Plus architecture brings together two separate antennas in a single installation allowing airlines or integrators the use of satellite constellations and networks.
A hybrid of two antenna systems, ThinAir Plus combines the advantages of ThinKom’s mature and LEO/MEO/GEO-proven VICTS technology with a small (LEO-only) ESA for redundancy, flexibility, and efficiency.
The Plus architecture is modular, allowing for a mix-and-match of Ku- and Ka-band antennas installed with a common adapter plate, fairing, and radome. Airlines can deploy ThinKom’s Ka2517 solution today and quickly swap to Ku-band VICTS antennas in the future (or vice versa), without changing the mounting hardware. This adds another layer of flexibility to the design while significantly reducing long-term logistics costs.
Bill Milroy, ThinKom’s CTO points out that ThinAir Plus offers the unique benefit of multiple active links in a single terminal. “Simultaneously fusing these services uniquely delivers a future-proof, low-latency LEO and high-capacity GEO solution. Routing traffic through the most efficient and cost-effective pipe will drive competition and reduce operating costs. Redundant, independent systems also minimize dark tails, which is a major frustration to passengers and airlines alike.”
“As an antenna company, we’re providing an agnostic solution that delivers connectivity from every orbit to every seat,” explains. “With the Plus architecture we’re able to add next-generation benefits on top of our existing, high-performance antenna.”
