Strategic Research Institute Reports
Raytheon Technologies’ Collins Aerospace business has unveiled a revolutionary and economically viable cabin connectivity solution, providing business jet operators of all cabin sizes with continuous connectivity for their passengers during flight.
The Collins Aerospace IRT NX Satellite Communication (SATCOM) system, designed for Iridium Certus® 700, is among the first certified connected cabin hardware and service solutions that can be effortlessly installed and utilized globally on various aircraft platforms. This solution enables operators to benefit from an affordable and rapid installation process, along with a remarkable up-to 50% reduction in overall connectivity costs.
Clotilde Enel Rehel, the Executive Director of Programs Connected Aviation Solutions at Collins Aerospace, highlighted the versatility of this cabin connectivity solution, stating, “Applications range from complementing existing KU/KA Band service in large cabins to introducing cabin internet to small and medium-size aircraft. This new cabin connectivity solution provides a cost-effective level of connectivity that makes it an attractive option for all business jet operators.”
As one of the pioneering service providers for the Iridium Certus 700 product, the Collins solution seamlessly integrates with the global Iridium® satellite network, delivering business aviation passengers an unparalleled broadband experience, enabling real-time access to news, productivity tools, and voice calls over IP, aligning with the passengers’ increasing demand for uninterrupted connectivity.
Bombardier, a renowned manufacturer of business jets based in Montreal, Canada, has been selected as the launch customer for installation during production and for upgrading existing customer aircraft, starting in the second half of 2023.
Nate Boelkins, the Vice President and General Manager Business and Regional Avionics at Collins Aerospace, expressed his enthusiasm for this groundbreaking solution, stating, “This is a game-changing solution for the business aviation market, and we are proud to see our long history of collaboration on connectivity services continuing with Bombardier. By working hand-in-hand with SATCOM provider Iridium, the only player today offering pole-to-pole coverage capabilities, we are broadening the reach of connectivity solutions for all our business aviation customers around the world.”
Bryan Hartin, the Executive Vice President of Iridium, praised Collins Aerospace’s leadership in providing cutting-edge connectivity solutions to the business aviation market. He emphasized the benefits of the Iridium Certus Connected® IRT NX SATCOM system, stating, “The light weight, low-cost, truly global IRT NX is going to be incredibly beneficial to aviators no matter where they fly.”
Collins Aerospace takes pride in designing and manufacturing the entire IRT NX SATCOM system, which includes the SATCOM data unit, SATCOM configuration module, and HIGH GAIN antenna. This comprehensive approach ensures a cohesive and seamless experience for customers. The Collins’ IRT NX SATCOM system for Iridium also offers additional advantages such as lower weight and a smaller antenna footprint compared to legacy SATCOM systems, resulting in minimum drag and lower power consumption for operators.
