The phenomenal capacity growth in NGSO is driving a surge in satellite communication applications, particularly SATCOM-on-the-Move (SOTM). For NGSO to deliver on its mobility promise, Electronically Steerable Antennas (ESA) must be deployed. As such, there is an increased demand for ESA technology to deliver broadband connectivity on mobile platforms from aircraft, naval vessels, and high-speed trains to the automotive industry.
For example, as the demand for In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) services continues to rise worldwide, so do passengers’ expectations for high performance and uninterrupted connectivity regardless of the duration and location of their flight. As IFC providers are re-evaluating their connectivity strategies and future-proofing their networks with new technologies to provide consistently high throughput levels to each passenger at a reasonable cost, the need to select an ESA based solution becomes crucial for service delivery.
As first to demonstrate IFC with an ESA terminal back in 2020, Gilat leads the market with superior ESA solutions, combining high performance, flexibility, and reliability. As ESA technology continues to progress, the sky is no longer a barrier to communication and productivity but a space where passengers can stay connected, and airlines can elevate their services to meet the expectations of the digital age. The integration of ESA technology with aviation signifies a groundbreaking blend of innovation and travel, poised to redefine the passenger experience and shape the future of air travel.
Gilat’s ESA system architecture is scalable in size and performance to fit various applications on land, sea and air. Furthermore. Gilat’s ESA was proven to meet the requirements of commercial and business aviation. This terminal’s compact, low-profile flat design and light weight minimize drag and fuel consumption and the efficient SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) enables passive cooling and minimal drag on aircraft. The open standard interface demonstrates our commitment to interoperability and facilitates the integration with any modem, allowing for a seamless connection between Gilat’s ESA terminal with any existing satcom infrastructure.
To enhance our ESA offering for inflight connectivity, Gilat recently acquired Stellar Blu Solutions, to optimize their multi-orbit ESA antenna for commercial and business aviation. The Stellar Blu “Sidewinder” full ESA solution is novel in its open architecture, optimized to enable the performance and cost advantages of multi-orbit service. The Sidewinder architecture is modular and easily extensible into other aerospace applications. The Stellar Blu platform has already been selected by satellite operators, airplane manufacturers and airlines to provide next-generation satcom solution offerings. Through these collaborations, the Stellar Blu solution has been embraced by some of the world’s largest airlines.
The Sidewinder’s service provider agnostic architecture enables seamless integration with any service provider, offering unmatched flexibility for airlines. Its low-profile, radome-free design minimizes installation and maintenance time, reducing Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Combined with its superior performance, the Sidewinder stands out as a top-tier solution for in-flight connectivity.
Key Features and Benefits
Tested on GEO, VHTS and LEO constellations including seamless switchover between GEO and LEO
High RF performance per beam enables GEO operation down to 20-degree elevation
High spectrum – 500MHz/250MHz instantaneous BW per beam, dual beam, more than 2.5Gbps total throughput
Interoperable with GEO and NGSO IFC modems, supports simultaneous GEO/LEO
Reliable, ruggedized, efficient, high performance and built to address commercial aviation quality standards (DO-160)
Ultra-flat antenna design guarantees optimal performance and minimal drag using passive cooling
Extremely reliable, >50,000 flight hours MTBF
Gilat Infographic – IFC Solutions
