SkyTrac has gained official Iridium approval for its SDL-350 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) broadband Iridium Certus communications system to provide the aviation industry with advanced, truly global L-band connectivity at up to 704 Kbps.

The new system, which provides a leap in truly global bandwidth, features low size, weight and power (SWaP), making it the ideal satellite communications system for fixed wing, rotorcraft and advanced air mobility platforms alike.

“When we commenced development of the SDL-350, we recognised the growing demand for low latency, truly global broadband satellite communications in a small, lightweight form factor,” says vice president of engineering Gilles Bessens. “With the official nod of approval from Iridium, we can now provide platforms such as fixed wing aircraft, rotorcraft, UAVs and UAMs with up to 704 Kbps for a variety of industry applications.”

The multifunctional system enables a host of mission services including satellite and cellular connectivity for cabin and crew, real-time video downlinking, beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) communications, automated post-flight data offloading, flight data monitoring, satellite push-to-talk, VoIP communications and more. Safety services, real-time HUMS alerting and radio over IP capabilities are also scheduled into the roadmap.

SkyTrac's SDL-350 has secured numerous launch customers across nearly every segment of aviation including air medical, business aviation, law enforcement, military and defence, search and rescue (SAR), offshore oil and gas, uncrewed aviation and urban air mobility,

“Not only is this a significant milestone for SkyTrac, but also Iridium,” says Iridium EVP sales and marketing Bryan Hartin. “The wide-breadth and capability of the SDL-350 make it a critical piece of equipment for aerospace operators and we're excited to see the continuous development of cost-effective and reliable products in a new L-band speed class unlike anything that exists in the market today.”