Gilat’s Adjustable Electronic Antenna (ESA) for Airplane Internet Connectivity (IFC) achieved a breakthrough during Airbus’ flight tests, conducted on Spacecom’s advanced satellite * All this within the framework of a European R&D consortium
Gilat Satellite Networks (Nasdaq and Tel Aviv Stock Exchange: GILT), a world leader in technology for satellite communications networks, solutions and services, today announced a breakthrough in adjustable electronic antenna (ESA) technology, for Internet connectivity in aircraft (IFC), with the completion of flight tests Carried out by the Airbus Group, marking the successful completion of the final phase of the five-year Clean Sky 2 IFC ESA project. The connectivity was demonstrated on a loaded 17-satellite satellite operating at the Ka frequency.
Gilat’s ESA technology, demonstrated using the SkyEdge II-c platform and the MODMAN, Taurus. Gilat’s ESA is a flat antenna, which was embedded and tested in the C295 test aircraft, as part of the EU’s Clean Sky 2 research program, and as part of the Horizon 2020 EC initiative.
“Gilat’s ESA has shown high durability in test flights, maintaining stable connectivity during aggressive maneuvers of the aircraft, and higher-than-expected performance,” said Luis Benitez, chief engineer at Clean Sky 2 and the Airbus test aircraft. “Gilat’s ESA, which is aerodynamically integrated between the wing sheet and the fuselage, enables the aircraft to have operational efficiency, quiet flight and advanced features for a wide range of applications.”
“Space Communications is pleased to be the satellite infrastructure provider that enabled Gilat, our partner, to achieve a milestone in the test flight,” said Ofer Asif, senior vice president of business development, marketing and strategy at Spacecom. “A Load-17 satellite operating at the Ka frequency was routed to the flight zone in southern Spain using an adjustable beam and in addition a permanent beam was used that serves the SkyEdge II-c network.”
“Our successful flight test of our ESA technology was conducted in conjunction with our long-standing partnerships, FBM, Airbus and Spacecom and set the standard for the next generation of satellite communications systems for IFC,” said Alex Wolodarski, director of satellite communications program at Gilat. “We have proven our ability to develop and deliver the most advanced ESA technology of its kind that works with Taurus, our airborne MODMAN, in line with the stringent requirements of the aviation industry. We aim for our ESA technology to be widely adopted in the IFC market in the coming years, especially in light of the deployment of multiple satellite constellations in NGSO orbits. ”