16-Nov-2015 Source: Honeywell
Honeywell Aerospace (NYSE: HON) will now offer AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter owners its Aspire 200 satellite communications system, marking the first high-speed wireless broadband solution enabling reliable and fast data services aboard helicopters.
Awarded a supplemental type certificate (STC) by the Federal Aviation Administration, the Aspire 200 system enables helicopters to utilize SwiftBroadband, an aircraft connectivity service provided through Inmarsat-4 satellites. Aspire 200 with the High Data Rate (HDR) software upgrade is faster than any other helicopter connectivity system in the market today, supporting voice and streaming data rates up to 650kbps.
In the past, the helicopter’s rotor blades would interfere and block satellite communications signals to the helicopter. The Honeywell Aspire 200 and HDR software address this problem using a proprietary Long Burst Interleaver. The software backbone of the system penetrates the aircraft’s rotor washes to bring high-speed data services to the helicopter. It significantly improves data communications for the commercial helicopter market and critical missions such as search and rescue and oil and gas.
“The Aspire 200 High Data Rate solution can transmit more data, faster, than any other L-band system on the market, creating a cost-effective, lightweight and highly capable system for helicopter operators,” said Tom Hart, vice president, Defense and Space, Honeywell Aerospace. “Honeywell already provides leading avionics for helicopters, and the new high-speed data transfer capabilities will complement our existing onboard technology and further enhance the safety and operational efficiency for operators.”
The Honeywell-owned STC will benefit owners and operators of AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters by providing previously unattainable high-speed data connectivity through a cost-effective, lightweight satellite communications system. It also simplifies the path for other helicopter types to obtain STC in the future. Honeywell worked with Safran Engineering Services and Pro Star Aviation on the STC.
Honeywell is showcasing its satellite communications and avionics offerings at the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition, Nov. 17−19, 2015, in Las Vegas in booth # C7807.
Supporting Resources
Honeywell Aerospace products and services are found on virtually every commercial, defense and space aircraft, and its turbochargers are used by nearly every automaker and truck manufacturer around the world. The Aerospace business unit develops innovative solutions for more fuel-efficient automobiles and airplanes, more direct and on-time flights, safer flying and runway traffic, along with aircraft engines, cockpit and cabin electronics, wireless connectivity services, logistics, and more. The business delivers safer, faster, and more efficient and comfortable transportation-related experiences worldwide. For more information, visit www.honeywell.com or follow us at @Honeywell_Aero and @Honeywell_Turbo.
Honeywell (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; turbochargers; and performance materials. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywellnow.com.
