German helicopter operator HTM Group and Switzerland-headquartered remote field operations company Zimex Aviation have selected SkyTrac's SDL-350 satcom system for broadband VIP and special mission connectivity.

The SKL-350 is a powerful satellite terminal, data acquisition and onboard server system that provides up to 704 Kbps of high throughput transmission for a variety of applications including live video streaming and data transmission. It can provide office-level connectivity globally, with low latency and 99.9 per cent uptime reliability using the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Iridium NEXT satellite constellation.

HTM Group will integrate the system on board helicopter airframes including the Airbus H145 and EC145, while Zimex Aviation will focus on the DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft.

By utilising the Iridium NEXT constellation and the Iridium Certus service, SkyTrac's SDL-350 enables both companies to offer passengers greater bandwidth and consistent, reliable connectivity, regardless of weather conditions and natural disasters. This connectivity will be enabled at a cost-effective rate when compared to legacy geostationary (GEO) satcom services, increasing operational efficiencies.

SkyTrac director of business development Ruben Stepin says: “SkyTrac is at the forefront of Iridium Certus development for the aviation industry, and we are proving this with a custom solution for HTM Group and Zimex.”

The SDL-350 system extends the bandwidth capability of the Iridium Certus service to upgrade inflight connectivity. Passengers can uninterruptedly browse the internet, communicate through email and chat, conduct VoIP calls and stream videos from a wide range of third-party applications such as Netflix and YouTube on their own devices. The connectivity will be streamed through an in-cabin wi-fi network, providing an access point for onboard devices such as workstations, mobile phones, tablets and laptops.

Zimex head of maintenance Erich Kunz adds: “SkyTrac's innovative approach offers a reliable and high-quality solution that will exceed our client's expectations.”