Oct 26, 2009, post by Satellite News
Thrane & Thrane and Embraer have informed that the former’s latest SwiftBroadband solution Aero-SB Lite is to be installed onboard the new Embraer Legacy 450 and Legacy 500 Executive jets.
Aero-SB Lite is the lightest and most compact SwiftBroadband solution on the market and will deliver Legacy 450 & 500 to passengers an extensive range of voice and Internet services, including data speeds of up to 432 kbps.
Aero-SB Lite offers its capabilities in one compact and lightweight package, and exceeds the ongoing requirement to deliver an office in the sky. Once integrated aboard the Legacy 450 and 500 aircraft, the system will be operating via a High Gain Antenna installed in the vertical stabilizer, which provides the best possible use of the global Inmarsat SwiftBroadband service. Additionally, Aero-SB Lite offers built in WiFi capability and VoiP technology, where users can utilize their own compatible handsets or WiFi enabled PDA devices. The data and voice functionality of Aero-SB Lite can be used simultaneously to ensure total flexibility for the end user.
Oct 16, 2009, post by Satellite News
Thrane & Thrane is proud to inform the September 2009 shipping of the 5000th SAILOR FleetBroadband terminal since deliveries started in December 2007. The 5000th terminal, a SAILOR 500 FleetBroadband, is a major milestone for Thrane & Thrane and was provided to a UK based Master Distributor, well-known satcoms solutions provider NSSL Ltd.
“Reaching this milestone in such a short space of time reflects how quickly FleetBroadband has been accepted and also how end-users appreciate the quality and reliability of SAILOR products,” comments Walther Thygesen, CEO, Thrane & Thrane. “The market for FleetBroadband continues to grow and based on the performance of SAILOR terminals so far, we hope to hit the next milestone of 10,000 terminals much earlier than expected.” Since going, live, FleetBroadband has become the de-facto industry standard global data solution for all ship and boat types, including merchant vessels, fishing vessels, workboats and Yachts. It offers full global coverage following the third Inmarsat I4 satellite coming online in February 2009 to service the Asia/Pacific region. SAILOR 500 FleetBroadband was possibly the first terminal to transmit live from this area, as it was aboard all eight Volvo Ocean Race boats as they left Qingdao, China, for a 12,300 nm leg across the Pacific to Rio de Janeiro.
“Although SAILOR FleetBroadband is primarily designed for the demands of merchant and offshore vessels, the Volvo Ocean Race is a particular tough proving ground, so we couldn’t resist the challenge,” continues Thygesen. “By performing onboard every VO70 in the 2008/2009 fleet, SAILOR proved its credentials for withstanding perhaps the most extreme environment possible at sea, which reflected its ability to provide fast and reliable satcoms aboard the world’s merchant and offshore fleet.” As a key player in the implementation of the ground based infrastructure for Inmarsat FleetBroadband, Thrane & Thrane was first in the market following the launch of the FleetBroadband service in November 2007, with the now proven SAILOR 500 and 250 FleetBroadband terminals. Thrane & Thrane extended its FleetBroadband portfolio recently with the SAILOR 150 FleetBroadband in June 2009, which features the smallest FleetBroadband antenna to date and is crafted for basic IP requirements and satellite telephony onboard.
“The highly regarded SAILOR name and being first to market was of course an advantage in reaching the 5,000 terminal milestone so quickly, but SAILOR FleetBroadband quickly proved itself as the FleetBroadband terminal of choice because of its ease of installation, high performance and ability to withstand the harsh maritime environment and continue to operate reliably,” adds Scott McBride, Commercial Director, NSSL Ltd. “It’s performance like this from key suppliers such as Thrane & Thrane that has helped NSSL reach its 40th birthday, which we are pleased to be celebrating this month.”
Sep 30, 2009, post by Satellite News
Aircell, the world’s leading provider of airborne communications, informs that Dassault Falcon will offer the Aircell High Speed Internet system aboard its entire fleet of business jets, including the Falcon 7X, 900LX, 900EX, 900DX, 2000LX and 2000DX. It represents the first full-fleet selection of the system by a business aircraft manufacturer.
The Aircell High Speed Internet system will allow Falcon passengers and crews to use their own Wi-Fi enabled devices, such as laptops, tablet PCs, smartphones and PDAs, to surf the Web, send and receive e-mail with attachments, access their corporate Virtual Private Networks (VPN) and much more – all at full mobile broadband speeds in flight. The Aircell High Speed Internet system is powered by the Aircell® Network, which utilizes the latest 3G mobile wireless technology, operating in the continental U.S. over an advanced network of ground stations and Aircell’s exclusive broadband air-to-ground spectrum.
Eric Monsel, Vice President, Programs, Dassault Falcon, stated, “In this day and age, it’s seldom we talk to customers without discussing what in-flight connectivity options are available. People want to be as fully connected aboard their aircraft as they are in their office. The Aircell High Speed Internet system is requested frequently because it fulfills that need and no other solution on the market is as fast, light and affordable,” concluded Mr. Monsel.
Falcon clients opting for the service will receive an Aircell Axxess® cabin system with an ATG 4000 High Speed Internet unit. This integrated, open architecture communications suite provides high speed Internet service via the Aircell® Network, as well as multiple channels of worldwide voice and narrowband data service via the Iridium satellite network. Design work has already begun to incorporate the system into the production line at Dassault Falcon and t he first equipped aircraft is scheduled for customer delivery in the fourth quarter of 2010.
John Wade, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Aircell, said, “Today’s selection further underscores the value and uniqueness of the Aircell High Speed Internet system. By providing full-scale connectivity to passengers and crews, the system is vital to enhancing productivity in today’s business climate. We’re very pleased to continue our longstanding relationship with Dassault Falcon and bringing this new technology to their customers”.
The proprietary Aircell High Speed Internet system is the only solution in business aviation that provides a true high speed Internet experience that equals what passengers are accustomed to on the ground, while being small and light enough to fit on virtually any business aircraft. It is up to 56 times faster than a traditional dial-up connection. Aircell’s High Speed Internet unit for business aviation (the ATG 4000) weighs just 11 pounds and its two belly-mounted antennae weigh just 1.25 pounds each.
In addition to its popularity in the business aviation market, the commercial airline version of the service – Gogo® Inflight Internet – has been selected by airlines representing more than half of the North American mainline market. The system is flying today with American Airlines, Virgin America, Delta Air Lines and AirTran Airways. It is coming soon to Northwest Airlines, Air Canada, United Airlines and US Airways.
In addition to the exclusive Aircell High Speed Internet system for the continental U.S., Aircell is offering its satellite-based SwiftBroadband solution for global service. Aircell’s SwiftBroadband product is powered by Thrane & Thrane.
