Honeywell has launched a new product that can limit the effects of cellular interference on certain satellite communications (satcom) systems for aircraft communications. Honeywell's Type J DLNA (Diple9xer/Low Noise Amplifier), which has received Technical Standard Order approval, was specifically designed as an upgrade for customers operating on Inmarsat's L-band network. Honeywell's Type J DLNA will prevent interference from Ancillary Terrestrial Component networks, which are under deployment in the continental United States as well as certain global LTE and 5G cellular networks operating in frequency bands adjacent to Inmarsat's L-band network.

By upgrading to the Type J DLNA, aircraft operators using these satcom systems in the proximity of Ancillary Terrestrial Component networks in the continental United States and other globally deployed LTE and 5G ground stations will prevent service disruptions from cellular interference that can result in costly flight delays.

“There has been growing concern globally that certain 5G services could interfere with some aircraft satcom systems, and the Type J DLNA can limit those effects,” says Steve Hadden, vice president and general manager, services and connectivity, Honeywell Aerospace. “With the upgrade, airlines and aircraft operators will continue to have access to Future Air Navigation System routes, which allow airplanes to fly at their optimum altitudes and burn less fuel. That creates a significant reduction in flight durations and fuel costs while improving overall flight safety.”

The Type J DLNA is a single line-replaceable unit upgrade to existing L-band satcom systems operating on Inmarsat's L-band network. It allows continued operation of an airline's or operator's mission-critical satcom networks and allows customers to replace their existing DLNAs without requiring changes to aircraft wiring, connector interfaces or mounting provisions and without replacing their existing satcom terminals and antennas.

The upgrade is available to all operators using Class 6 or 7 satcom systems in commercial, defence, business and general aviation and ATR segments in both retrofit and line-fit scenarios. The Type J DLNA is fully compliant with the Type J DLNA specifications in ARINC Characteristic 781-8 and RTCA DO-262F.