Marion County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) in Florida has teamed with Outerlink Global Solutions to develop an STC design for the Air IP wi-fi system in its Bell 407 helicopter. MCSO has put the Air IP system through many real-time operations as part of the development. It has received a consistent level of high bandwidth connectivity throughout its county. The Air IP wi-fi system delivered HD video from the helicopter with a 500 ms delay while simultaneously streaming data and video from the internet.

MCSO Aviation Unit Commander Darren Bruner says: “We had heard good things about the Outerlink Air IP system but wanted to see it for ourselves and ensure it delivered bandwidth in both directions. Not only did it perform, but it also exceeded our expectations. Our IT department was able to set up the Air IP system so that all the computers in the helicopter, including the Shotover system, are within the County's VPN network. We are going to move forward and equip our other helicopters.”

“We have a long history of developing innovative aircraft-qualified communication products and services,” adds Outerlink VP Jeff Warner. “We are fully aware of satellite limitations for helicopters, so we decided to build a system that could keep the customers connected and provide a triple redundant bonded network that would minimise any loss of service or interruption during flight. The Air IP capability allows simultaneous video and data streaming to and from the helicopter. It has even allowed a customer to conduct an uninterrupted Zoom meeting during flight.”

Outerlink partnered with Sterling Helicopters, a FAA-certified repair station based in Croydon, Pennsylvania, to design and obtain the FAA STC. “We are happy to partner with Outerlink to develop the 407 STC as the system benefits owners and operators in virtually every application. This is a huge advancement in helicopter operations, and it will allow us to serve our customers with innovative capabilities you cannot get anywhere else. I knew the patented bonding technology would set this system apart from any other available on the market,” comments Edward Allen, director of engineering for Sterling Helicopter. “We plan to expand this STC globally in 2024 into EASA, ANAC and TCCA. We are also adding more Part 29 and Part 27 models.”

The Air IP system utilises proven proprietary technology to establish a seamless and secure Wi-Fi signal throughout the entire aircraft at a fraction of the cost of some existing technologies. The system removes any geographic distance limitation, enabling agencies to support surveillance efforts either tracking through or within neighbouring jurisdictions near or far. Agencies do not have to support any ground-based infrastructure, making it a cost-effective solution for advanced communication needs.