With its commercial connectivity program well underway, Stellar Blu is now expanding into the special missions market. The company established a strategic partnership with Fargo Jet Center (FJC) to develop and certify solutions targeting the Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) market.
The companies state they’ve “secured significant ISR contracts, including Bombardier Challenger and DeHavilland DHC-08 platforms, solidifying their expertise in the field.”
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.
– Tracy Trent, Stellar Blu CEO
As part of the effort FJC installed the Stellar Blu Sidewinder terminal on a Cessna Citation Encore+ as a proof of concept. The low-profile design of the electronically steered phased array antenna lowers drag compared to the gimbal mount solutions previously used in similar implementations, while improving network performance.
The pair plan demonstrations of multi-network satellite connectivity services and advanced ISR capabilities on the flying testbed. This includes high-definition video streaming capabilities both to and from the aircraft.
Stellar Blu CEO Tracy Trent has previously suggested that his company’s potential to grow beyond the commercial aero sector is significant. Indeed, this test platform was tipped in conversations at Satellite 2024 in March of this year. Moreover, Trent suggested that his company’s deal to be folded into Gilat will help “accelerate some of the other products of the roadmap, other variants of our existing terminal technology,” including the additional form factors and service verticals.
This acceleration could also include shifting the size of the terminal. A smaller array of the BAE Systems (formerly Ball Aerospace) panels could enable an even more streamlined implementation on smaller aircraft.
Justin Ladner, Special Mission Programs at Fargo Jet Center added, “This collaboration will enhance our ISR program offerings and pave the way for future advancements in special mission aircraft.”
A favor to ask while you're here...
Did you enjoy the content? Or learn something useful? Or generally just think this is the type of story you'd like to see more of? Consider supporting the site through a donation (any amount helps). It helps keep me independent and avoiding the credit card schlock.
Leave a Reply