Satcom Direct has confirmed approval by the FAA for the first supplemental type certificate for the SD Plane Simple Ka-band tail mount terminal for a Gulfstream G650.

The antenna complements existing SD hardware, which includes a Satcom Direct gateway router and wi-fi hub to distribute high-speed broadband to all passenger and crew devices. SD Plane Simple Ka-band hardware is now available for installation through authorised Gulfstream and Jet Aviation service centres.

Connecting immediately with existing Viasat GX satellites, which power the Jet ConneX service, the SD Plane Simple Ka-band antenna is the first terminal in business aviation that will optimise compatibility with Viasat next-generation GX satellites. The upcoming satellites transmit dual polarity signals that more than double the amount of data being transmitted and received, and deliver more capacity than the existing GX satellites put together. With the SD Plane Simple Ka-band terminal, Gulfstream G650 operators benefit from video streaming, live TV, video calls, file transfers, gaming and virtual private networks.

"The latest STC in our growing portfolio gives Gulfstream G650 owners and operators access to more speed, more data and more service plan flexibility. This is complemented by the added value delivered by our SD ecosystem, which provides access to industry-leading, genuinely global customer support, unparalleled cybersecurity services and a connectivity system designed to maintain pace with the changing connectivity landscape," says SD president Chris Moore.

The installation and FAA approval also triggered the launch of an expanded range of service plans for Jet ConneX, made exclusively available to Satcom Direct operators and that include the first-ever Power-by-the-Hour option for the JX service. Further STCs are anticipated to be confirmed for more aircraft models and other OEM airframes in July 2024.

SD is a preferred provider of cabin connectivity service plans on both in-production and in-service aircraft for the Gulfstream Connectivity Service programme. The SD FlightDeck Freedom communications platform is the default datalink system for in-production Gulfstream G500, Gulfstream G600 and Gulfstream G650ER aircraft.