Gogo’s Plane Simple Ka-band tail-mount antenna system has received EASA STC approvals for Dassault Falcon 7X and 8X aircraft. Gogo worked with Dassault Falcon Jet in Le Bourget, France, to obtain the STC modification, which has already been installed on a privately owned Dassault Falcon 7X. The installation of the Plane Simple Ka-band terminal complements existing onboard L-Band and SwiftBroadband solutions to further bolster connectivity through the aircraft.
The latest STC gives all Dassault Falcon 7X and 8X operators equipping airframes with the Plane Simple Ka-band terminal immediate access to global connectivity, powered by the Viasat next-generation Ka-band GX network. The constellation optimises satellites and terminals designed with dual polarisation capability to enable on-the-ground broadband speeds at altitude. The solution allows multiple passengers using multiple devices to access video streaming, conferencing, email, voice calling, and multiple digital applications simultaneously.
“The aircraft is known for its advanced technology, which delivers impressive performance parameters and supports seamless long-range global operations,” said Michael Skou Christensen, chief commercial officer, Gogo. “With the equipping of the Plane Simple Ka-band terminal, passengers regularly flying lengthy international routes will have access to reliable, consistent high-speed connectivity to support productivity, entertainment and relaxation through all phases of the flight. The Plane Simple terminals, which are purpose-built for business aviation, not only enhance onboard wi-fi speeds but deliver access to the Gogo ecosystem of hardware, software, ground infrastructure, cybersecurity, and award-winning 24/7/365 customer support for a best-in-class connectivity experience.”
The Gogo Plane Simple Ka-band terminal is now available for installation through Dassault Falcon Jet and its authorised service centre (ASC) network. The EASA STC covers government, executive and private aircraft, and it is expected that approvals from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), and Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) will follow.
The retrofit installation requires fitting just two line-replaceable units (LRUs) – the Plane Simple tail-mount antenna and the SDR Gateway router – and is designed to support easy future upgrade pathways. Gogo said it is already receiving “significant interest” from operators in Europe and beyond, who are seeking to enhance aircraft connectivity capabilities with the Plane Simple Ka-band system.
