Boeing has carried out its first over-the-air ground test of a Ka-band satellite communications (SATCOM) phased-array antenna system.
The antenna system will allow the use of wideband SATCOM on aircraft, providing increased bandwidth for in flight networking. Commercial and military aircraft operators using the antenna system will be able to communicate using commercial K and Ka-band satellites.
Boeing said the tests showed that the system could support applications such as file transfer and voice over internet protocol videoconference.
Boeing Network and Tactical Systems vice-president and general manager Charles Toups said, “This Ka-band phased-array antenna system supports a significant increase in bandwidth with a smaller antenna than previous Ku-band antennas, while still providing the same low profile, low drag and lower cost of installation.”
