SKYTRAC, a leader in satellite communications (Satcom) and intelligent connectivity solutions, today announced that HTM Group and Zimex Aviation Ltd., a leader in remote field operations, have selected SKYTRAC’s SDL-350 Satcom system for broadband VIP and Special Mission connectivity.

A powerful satellite terminal, data acquisition, and onboard server system, the SDL-350 provides up to 704 Kbps of high throughput transmission for a variety of applications including live video streaming, data transmission, and more. The system can provide office-level connectivity, globally, with low latency and 99.9% uptime reliability using the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Iridium NEXT satellite constellation.

While HTM Group will be integrating SKYTRAC’s novel solution onboard helicopter airframes including the Airbus H145, EC145, providing high throughput capabilities.

By utilizing the Iridium NEXT constellation and the Iridium Certus service, SKYTRAC’s SDL-350 enables HTM and Zimex Aviation to offer VIP and Special Mission passengers with greater bandwidth and consistent, reliable connectivity, regardless of weather conditions and natural disasters. This connectivity will be enabled at a cost-effective rate when compared to legacy Geostationary (GEO) Satcom services, increasing operational efficiencies.

“The SDL-350’s onboard server allows SKYTRAC to offer broadband IP solutions to our customers and partners,” mentions SKYTRAC’s Director of Business Development, Ruben Stepin. “SKYTRAC is at the forefront of Iridium Certus development for the aviation industry, and we are proving this with a custom solution for HTM Group and Zimex.”

SKYTRAC’s innovative SDL-350 system extends the bandwidth capability of the Iridium Certus service to upgrade inflight connectivity. Passengers can uninterruptedly browse the internet, communicate through email and chat, conduct VoIP calls, and stream videos from a wide range of third-party applications such as Netflix and YouTube on their own devices. The connectivity will be streamed through an in-cabin Wi-Fi network, providing an access point for onboard devices such as workstations, mobile phones, tablets, and laptops.

“We’re excited to leverage the SDL-350 to provide a reliable, consistent, and affordable solution for providing our customers with high bandwidth connectivity,” mentions Andreas Schühle, Head of Business Development and Special Mission Projects of HTM Group. “We are excited to work with SKYTRAC to integrate and certify this solution onboard industry-leading rotorcraft.”

For more information on SKYTRAC’s products and services, please contact sales@skytrac.ca or visit www.skytrac.ca.

About SKYTRAC Systems Ltd.

SKYTRAC is aviation’s full-service, data-driven solutions provider serving the fixed-wing, rotorcraft, and unmanned aviation markets. Since 1986, SKYTRAC has pioneered the development, evolution and commercialization of flight following, flight data and communications technology. Today, with systems certified on over 900 airframes and an online data management portal that is the go-to tool for over 7,500 global users, SKYTRAC is truly the partner of choice for data-guided business insights. From performance trending and operations reporting to real-time asset tracking and situational awareness – SKYTRAC offers a one-stop response to meeting more of your company’s needs. For more information, visit www.SKYTRAC.ca.

About HTM Group

HTM is one of the largest helicopter companies in the German-speaking world and employs around 150 people. Since April 2020, it has been fully owned by Heristo Aktiengesellschaft in Bad Rothenfelde, one of the top-selling companies in the German food industry. The core business of the HTM Group, founded in 1997, is the provision of helicopters for civilian customers, German Armed Forces and special missions. The business areas range from offshore operations, ambulance and passenger flights to flight training and work flights in the mountains. HTM is the market leader in the field of offshore flights with winch operations. With Intercopter GmbH, the HTM Group has its own maintenance company, which ensures the maintenance of the currently 24 helicopters. The HTM Group holds with AAD GmbH its design organisation approval acc. EASA Part 21J and is involved in the development of supplemental type certifications. The HTM Group has locations in Munich/Taufkirchen, Füchtorf, Emden, Borkum, Norden/Norddeich, Helgoland and Nordholz/Cuxhaven. HTM Group is part of SKYTRAC’s reseller network.