SkyTrac Systems has become a value-added manufacturer (VAM) for the Iridium Certus 9810 modem. This expanded partnership will allow SkyTrac to optimise and integrate the modem as well as manufacture terminals leveraging the improved bandwidth of Iridium Certus.

The Certus 9810 modem will be redesigned by SkyTrac for size, weight and power aviation grade optimisations to provide a streamlined fit for its new 2-MCU satellite communications terminal, the SDL-350. Scheduled to be introduced to the market in 2021, the SDL-350 will be capable of achieving globally available broadband transfer rates of 352 kbps both to and from the aircraft.

“As a new VAM for the Iridium Certus 9810 and a valued long-time Iridium partner, we continue to produce full-service, data-driven solutions to the aviation industry,” says Bryan Hartin, executive VP of sales and marketing at Iridium. “We're excited to see SkyTrac expand its product offerings by designing, developing and manufacturing new products utilising the Iridium Certus 9810 and Iridium Certus 9770 transceivers.”

The SDL-350 will enable operators within all segments of aviation to add new capabilities to their operations such as live video streaming, EO/IR imaging, telemedicine, timely recovery of flight data (TRFD), large file transfers and credit card processing.

The refreshed ISAT-200A-08 terminal will build on the successes of the previous generation by also enabling VoIP communications, image transfer, graphical weather and medical data transfer, as well as custom applications developed for specific operator requirements. The SkyTrac midband solution will be the clear choice for globally available, pole-to-pole connectivity for cost-conscious operators looking to streamline operational efficiencies while still adding new capabilities.

A VAM for both midband and broadband Iridium Certus equipment, SkyTrac is also an Iridium Certus service provider. This will allow the company to provide clients as well as other Iridium partners who aren't official service providers with midband and broadband Iridium Certus solutions.

SkyTrac will also support STC programme development and manufacture installation kits as required by clients and competitors.

“Iridium Certus ushers in a new era of globally available connectivity for operators looking for higher bandwidth satellite communication solutions,” states Jan van der Heul, SkyTrac's VP of sales. “We're excited to introduce the two new terminals to the market and look forward to working with operators around the world to enhance their operations through the capabilities we provide.”

The recent Iridium announcement positions SkyTrac as a one-stop-shop for terminals, service, installation kits and STC development related to Iridium Certus implementations.