After teasing the details a bit in March, ThinKom formally launched its ThinAir Plus product line at Aircraft Interiors Expo 2023, integrating an ESA into the footprint of its Ka2517 solution. The system touts multi-constellation, multi-orbit, multi-beam connectivity support. The ThinAir Plus terminal is also the first to offer concurrent, multi-band connectivity in a single package.
We’re providing an agnostic solution that delivers connectivity from every orbit to every seat. With the Plus architecture we’re able to add next-generation benefits on top of our existing, high-performance antenna. – Bill Milroy, ThinKom’s CTO
Ultimately ThinKom wants to fuse the high-capacity available in GEO with a low-latency LEO experience where that is needed. Traffic routing will be managed off-appliance, however. That work will be left to the integrator.
And because there are effectively two antennae operating under the radome concurrently, the ThinKom Plus system can deliver both GEO and NGSO links at the same time rather than switching between the orbits. “It is not a switchable beam,” Milroy explains. “You can be on LEO and on GEO and you could pass traffic across both for a sustained period of time.”
Equally as critical as adding the additional connection is making sure the system does not grow too large or expensive. The overall footprint lengthens a few inches to account for the ESA under the radome. And Milroy suggests that the longer radome might actually improve aerodynamics slightly.
As for cost, the company emphasizes that the solution would be fully integrated, including modem and GPS. “We think it is probably in the order of $50,000 extra,” Milroy suggested. “Remember, it already has a modem in it. It is already under the same radome, so you get double credit for that.” And while keeping the cost lower is important, so is the value-add from the additional connection.
The company expects the hardware to be qualified and ready for STC integration at the end of 2024.
There’s more to the story…Dig deeper with a PaxEx.Aero Premium Subscription
More news from Aircraft Interiors Expo 2023
- Crystal Cabin Awards short list: 80+ designs that will change the way you fly
- Finalists for 2023 Crystal Cabin Awards represent the future of passenger comfort
- ThinKom, Kontron partner for multi-constellation, multi-orbit, multi-modem IFC terminal
- Stellar Blu secures Boeing line-fit agreement
- Seamless finalizes QoE metrics, certifies first partner
- Recaro introduces PL3810, next generation of premium economy
- Jazeera saves weight, increases cabin capacity with Expliseat TiSeat E2
- Hughes signs on as OneWeb partner, launches new IFC options for airlines
- Recaro’s Xtend option allows exit row legroom shrink
- Aurora single-aisle lie-flat business class seats unveiled by Collins Aerospace
- Air Canada plans more free Wi-Fi with regional jet upgrades
- Unum Two launches as forward-facing business class option
- Collins brings galley inserts online with low-cost retrofit option
- Airbus HBCplus Ku-band providers selected
- ThinKom Plus launches, with hybrid LEO/GEO offering
- Air4All, Delta Flight Products team for wheelchair seating on board
- Testing the next step for LEO-based IFC
- JAL plans boost for inflight Wi-Fi service
- Airspace coming to A220 family
- InteliSence aims to boost premium cabin service with seat monitoring, analysis
- Seeking understanding in the IFC world
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