RTX's Collins Aerospace completes industry first retrofit of Iridium Certus satellite connectivity
Collins Aerospace, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, has successfully retrofitted a Prince Aviation Cessna 525 Citation Jet with its IRT NX SATCOM system, marking an industry first for Iridium Certus satellite connectivity. The system, certified by EASA and designed by Q.C.M. Design, enhances cabin connectivity with speeds up to 704 kbps through Iridium's global satellite network. This compact, lightweight system is cost-effective, easy to install, and reduces drag. It includes a data unit, configuration module, and antenna, providing reliable, secure communication for internet browsing, voice calls, texts, emails, and social media. Certification and installation were completed earlier this year, with a first flight in late April. The system is showcased at the 2024 EBACE in Geneva, Switzerland.
- Retrofit of Prince Aviation Cessna 525 Citation Jet with IRT NX SATCOM system.
- Industry first for Iridium Certus satellite connectivity.
- Speeds up to 704 kbps via Iridium's global satellite network.
- Compact and lightweight system reducing drag.
- Cost-effective, reliable, and secure connectivity.
- Certification and design approval by EASA and Q.C.M. Design.
- First flight completed in late April.
- Showcased at 2024 EBACE in Geneva, Switzerland.
- No direct financial figures or projected revenue impact provided.
- Potential high costs for customers to retrofit existing aircraft.
- Unspecified long-term reliability and maintenance costs.
Insights
Collins Aerospace's retrofit of the Cessna 525 Citation Jet with the Iridium Certus SATCOM system marks a significant advancement in in-flight connectivity. The integration of Iridium's global satellite network with Collins' ARINCDirect services ensures seamless and reliable high-speed internet access at speeds up to 704 kbps. This is particularly valuable for business travelers who need constant connectivity.
The SATCOM system's design, which includes a data unit, configuration module and antenna, is notable for its compact size and lighter weight. This design reduces drag and power consumption, making it an efficient solution for a wide range of aircraft, including very light jets. The quick installation time is another advantage, potentially reducing downtime for operators.
In context, this development is likely to have positive long-term implications for the aviation industry, meeting the increasing demand for in-flight connectivity. However, the success of this system will depend on its adoption rate and the performance of the Iridium Certus service in different flying conditions.
The introduction of the IRT NX SATCOM system by Collins Aerospace is a strategic move that aligns with the growing trend of enhancing passenger experience through connectivity. As the first retrofit of its kind, this achievement could position Collins Aerospace as a leader in the market for business jet connectivity solutions.
From a market perspective, this could open new revenue streams for Collins Aerospace by tapping into the aftermarket services sector, which includes retrofitting existing aircraft with advanced connectivity solutions. The certification by EASA and the successful installation by Prince Aviation provide credibility and are likely to encourage other operators to consider similar upgrades.
However, investors should monitor the competitive landscape, as other players in the satellite communication space may respond with their own innovations. The price point and cost-effectiveness of the system will also play a critical role in its market acceptance and widespread adoption.
Compact and light weight, the system is reliable, easy to install and cost-effective
Iridium's truly global network of satellites connect with Collins' advanced ARINCDirect℠ connectivity services, enabling speeds up to 704 kbps. The comprehensive solution provides users reliable, secure and cost-effective connectivity to browse the internet, make voice calls, text, access email and utilize social media applications.
"Today's business traveler expects to step on board their aircraft and continue to stay connected, productive and informed," said Nathan Voight, vice president and general manager, Business and Regional Avionics at Collins Aerospace. "Our Iridium SATCOM solution can facilitate advanced aircraft connectivity on most aircraft type, including very light jets. The compact size and lighter weight solution also enables quicker installation time and minimal drag while utilizing a reduced footprint."
The Collins designed and manufactured IRT NX SATCOM system includes a data unit, configuration module and antenna – providing consistent, cohesive connectivity throughout the aircraft while using less power than legacy systems.
Certification and installation were completed earlier this year with the first flight performed in late April. The Collins hardware, antenna and ARINCDirect connectivity services are on display at the 2024 European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) in
About Collins Aerospace
Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, is a leader in integrated and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Our 80,000 employees are dedicated to delivering future-focused technologies to advance sustainable and connected aviation, passenger safety and comfort, mission success, space exploration, and more.
About RTX
With more than 185,000 global employees, RTX pushes the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. Through industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon – we are advancing aviation, engineering integrated defense systems, and developing next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2023 sales of
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SOURCE RTX
FAQ
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