Passenger cabin specialist DeCrane Aircraft is developing high-speed internet services for business aircraft passengers. Dubbed e-Cabin.Connect, the system will begin flight trials on board a Bombardier Global Express this quarter and is slated for certification by the end of the year.
DeCrane is aiming to be first to market with its e-Cabin high-speed internet service, ahead of Boeing's Connexion which is currently being tested on 11 business jets worldwide prior to operational service next year.
According to DeCrane, e-Cabin transmits digital data to the aircraft through Ku-band satellites at speeds up to 2mbit/s, while the aircraft-to-ground downlink uses existing narrowband phone technology. The airborne Integrated cabin server/satellite receive weighs 8.2kg (18lb), with the entire installed system estimated to weigh no more than 16kg.
The e-Cabin system manages and controls existing and new aircraft communication links and will accommodate future broadband technologies such as the Inmarsat high speed data service and ka-band satellites when they become available, says DeCrane.
Prices have yet to be determined.
Source: Flight International