Satcom Direct celebrates first STC for SD Plane Simple Ka-band terminal

Satcom Direct has confirmed approval by Federal Aviation Administration for the first Supplemental Type Certificate for the SD Plane Simple Ka-band tail mount terminal for a Gulfstream G650. Equipping the Gulfstream GVI-type with the advanced technology represents a significant milestone in the SD Plane Simple antenna series rollout. Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. collaborated with SD to obtain this STC. The antenna complements existing SD hardware which includes a Satcom Direct Gateway Router and WiFi hub to distribute high-speed broadband to all passenger and crew devices.   SD Plane Simple Ka-band hardware is now available for installation through authorized Gulfstream and Jet Aviation Service Centers.

Connecting immediately with existing Viasat GX satellites, which power the Jet ConneX service, the SD Plane Simple Ka-band antenna is the first terminal in business aviation that will optimize compatibility with Viasat next-generation GX satellites. The upcoming satellites transmit dual polarity signals, which more than doubles the amount of data being transmitted and received and delivers more capacity than the existing GX satellites put together. With the SD Plane Simple Ka-band terminal, Gulfstream G650 operators benefit from video streaming, live TV, video calls, file transfers, gaming and virtual private networks.

President Satcom Direct, Chris Moore commented: “The latest STC in our growing portfolio gives Gulfstream G650 owners and operators access to more speed, more data, and more service plan flexibility. This is complemented by the added value delivered by our SD ecosystem, which provides access to industry-leading, genuinely global customer support, unparalleled cybersecurity services, and a connectivity system designed to maintain pace with the changing connectivity landscape.”

The installation and FAA approval also triggered the launch of an expanded range of service plans for Jet ConneX, made exclusively available to Satcom Direct operators and include the first-ever Power by the Hour option for the JX service. Further STCs are anticipated to be confirmed for more aircraft models and other OEM airframes in July 2024.