ThinKom, Kontron, Display Interactive, and Eclipse Global Connectivity team to retrofit high-speed connectivity into narrow bodies
HAMBURG, Germany - Eclipse Global Connectivity in Rungus, France, ThinKom in Hawthorne, Calif., Kontron in Augsburg, Germany, and Display Interactive in Montrouge, France, announced the quartet has joined forces to retrofit over 50 narrow-body aircraft with high-speed connectivity at 2024 Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg.
The solution, designed for airline deployment, includes equipment, certifications, and software tailored for specific airline needs. Eclipse is providing a turnkey satcom install kit, featuring the ThinKom ThinAir Ka2517 Ka-band satcom system. This system will connect via an SES terminal to offer multi-orbit Satcom service through Geostationary satellites and the O3b classic and mPOWER Medium Earth Orbit constellations, with the capability to operate in both GEO and MEO networks simultaneously.
Skywaves software components from Display Interactive will enable the connectivity service. Kontron's high-performance solutions will support the network, including the Ace Flight 4783 MODMAN for the SATCOM connection, the Cab-n-Connect A200 for passenger Wi-Fi, and the Ace Flight 4608 server for onboard entertainment. The system, with multiple Wi-Fi 6 radios, can support streaming for hundreds of devices simultaneously.
Supplemental Type Certificate test flights are scheduled for Q3 2024, with production installations set for Q4 2024 and full deployment by early 2025. This timeline underscores the solution's maturity and reliability.
Marc Pinault, CEO of Eclipse Global Connectivity, said: "We're thrilled to unveil the latest innovation from our design division, Eclipse Technics, in collaboration with our respected partners. It's a significant move forward in connectivity. We are building on our track record of delivering top-notch universal large satcom installation solutions. They are validated with EASA and FAA STCs and fly on 150-plus aircraft. We are pleased to forge ahead with this innovative and unparalleled offering."
Bill Milroy, ThinKom Chairman and CTO, said: "Our flight-proven ThinAir antennas bring unmatched throughput, spectral efficiency, and reliability to our MSP partners. We will continue this tradition by seamlessly harnessing the power of SES's Skywave multi-orbit and multi-constellation services. With over 1,600 commercial aircraft installations and 45 million operating hours, ThinKom Phased Arrays continue to set the standard in today's (and tomorrow's) top-tier IFC systems."
