New technology that would give commercial airline passengers access to live TV, Internet, telephone and e-mail links is being developed by a UK consortium formed by Thales Avionics (London), ERA Technology, Chelton Electrostatics and Chelton Radomes.
The work is supported by a grant award last month from the UK Department of Trade and Industry to help fund research into new communications technology for the aerospace industry.
The project will also provide operational communications throughout long-haul oceanic journeys.
Satellite based communications enhance operational management, enable airlines and controllers to keep track of aircraft, and generally improve aviation safety.
Confidence
The consortium is to study the application of new antenna technology based on a unique concept developed by ERA, adopting the low profile of expensive phased array technology but available at a cost similar to a mechanically steered antenna.
Thales Avionics is showing a range of its products and technology at Dubai 2003 on its stand in the West Hall (W420).
Chief executive Paul Kahn says the research investment "reflects the increasing confidence in satellite communications as the medium by which all airborne commercial voice and data communications will shortly be made".
Source: Flight Daily News
