Bombardier to launch new broadband link that provides office-in-the-sky capability
Rockwell Collins has received a commercial licence to operate its Exchange broadband communications service in the USA, paving the way for customer deliveries to begin in the third quarter following certification of the system.
Launch customer Bombardier has equipped its Global 5000 demonstrator with Exchange, while the system is being installed on two Global Express XRSs owned by South Korea’s Samsung Techwin and a third XRS for an unidentified customer. In the Global, Exchange is integrated with Collins’ Airshow 21 cabin electronics system.
Exchange combines broadband data satellite communications, provided by Connexion by Boeing, with direct broadcast satellite (DBS) television to provide a mobile office solution including internet, videoconferencing, voice-over-IP and live TV.
The fintop mechanical antenna for Collins’ Tailwind 500 multi-region DBS TV system has been adapted to access the Ku-band Connexion service, which provides two-way communication at speeds of 5Mb/s to, and 256kb/s from, the aircraft.
Exchange can provide broadband data or DBS TV, but not both simultaneously. Live TV is available within the footprint of DBS satellites serving the USA, Europe and the Middle East. Customers can also receive live TV over oceanic regions using a rebroadcast service provided by Connexion.
Collins says it is leveraging approvals secured by Connexion for its airline service to obtain licences to operate Exchange in Europe, the Middle East and elsewhere.
GRAHAM WARWICK / WASHINGTON DC
Source: Flight International
