AlliedSignal has begun initial shipments of the new Airsat 1 satellite communication avionics for use with the Iridium satellite system. The single-channel Airsat 1 will provide voice communication services on corporate and general aviation aircraft. The system costs $29,500, with telephone calls priced from $3.50/min within the same country to $7 for international calls. The Iridium system is designed to provide worldwide coverage, including services over the polar regions. AlliedSignal, which has appointed 380 Airsat 1 dealers, is the sole supplier of avionics for Iridium's aeronautical services. The manufacturer is concentrating on development of the Airsat 1, having dropped plans to provide multichannel satcom systems for the airline market.
Source: Flight International
