Hughes readies satellite antenna combo for airlines

EchoStar company Hughes Network Systems promised to free airlines from the constraints of single network satellite connectivity by developing an electronically steerable antenna (ESA) combining the Ka- and Ku-bands. The company believes Wi-Fi connectivity airlines increasingly provide to passengers could soon be grounded by technical limitations associated with single network connections and contracts. Reza Rasoulian, SVP and GM of the Aviation Business Unit at Hughes Network Systems, said the combination of its existing HL1520 Ku-band ESA with a freshly developed Ka-band equivalent would boost options for airlines “with minimal to no modifications” to their craft. The advanced antenna technology system targets low and medium Earth orbit satellites and is activated using a modem card or software-defined waveform. Hughes Network Systems asserts the arrangement means airlines can adapt connectivity in line with the evolution of satellite networks. It stated the single ESA is a low user of power and can be employed in conjunction with the Hughes Fusion IFC system to provide flexibility in connectivity which could ultimately lower TCO. The European Space Agency explains Ka-band operates in the 26GHz to 40GHz frequency range, providing ultra-high speed data rates and “massive capacity” capable of delivering broadband and cloud services. Ku-band runs in the 12GHz to 18GHz range, employing smaller antennas in high-capacity services including in-flight and maritime connectivity. Hughes Network Systems emphasised the combined ESA would be manufactured at a facility in the US where it already produced more than 700 such items. The post Hughes readies satellite antenna combo for airlines appeared first on Mobile World Live .