North Dakota-based Fargo Jet Center (FJC) and Stellar Blu Solutions are to revolutionise special mission aircraft connectivity capabilities by establishing a cutting-edge aircraft testbed modified for Stellar Blu's Sidewinder, an electronically steered antenna (ESA) based satcom terminal capable of delivering superior intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) activities.

The partnership between FJC and Stellar Blu has secured significant ISR contracts, including on Bombardier Challenger and DeHavilland DHC-8 platforms, solidifying their expertise in the field. Together, they will enhance their capabilities with a large-cabin, wide-body business jet ISR programme and other small, midsize and larger aircraft special mission applications.

“We are excited to partner with Stellar Blu, bringing together our expertise and innovative solutions,” says Justin Ladner, special mission programmes at FJC. “This collaboration will enhance our ISR programme offerings and pave the way for future advancements in special mission aircraft.”

“From the beginning, we believed Sidewinder's development would lead to additional partnership opportunities,” adds Stellar Blu CEO Tracy Trent. “Fargo Jet Center's focus on the global ISR and special mission fleet complements our partnerships in commercial aviation and further underscores the unmatched performance, flexibility and value Sidewinder brings to the end user.”

The joint project includes demonstrations of multi-network satellite connectivity services and advanced ISR capabilities. Utilising Stellar Blu's Sidewinder platform, the aircraft will perform global flight demonstrations and testing, showcasing the aircraft's ability to provide superior global satellite network connectivity services, including high-definition video streaming capabilities both to and from the aircraft. This new system will replace traditional high-drag mechanical gimbal-based directional antennas and limited line-of-sight systems.

“The Sidewinder terminal is a game-changer for our customers,” says Trent. “Core to the terminal design was openness and portability, which we have embraced to ensure longer terminal lifecycles and longevity on customer aircraft.”

The new low-profile, low-drag antenna system is straightforward to install and promises significant improvements over existing technologies. It will enable aircraft to achieve greater performance levels, lower operational costs and increased mission readiness.