French Joint Light Helicopter Program selects SKYTRAC Iridium Certus for the H160M
Airbus Helicopters has selected SKYTRAC’s SDL-700 satellite communications system for the H160M, currently in development as part of the French Armed Forces’ Joint Light Helicopter program
The SDL-700 is the latest iteration of the company’s broadband Satcom terminal. A multifunctional system, the SDL-700 is a satellite communication terminal, data acquisition, and onboard server system that utilizes the Iridium Certus broadband connectivity service to provide up to 704 Kbps of bandwidth.
The complete solution will include the SDL-700 Satcom system, a High Gain Antenna (HGA) capable of 704 Kbps of bandwidth, and a Dual Element GPS Antenna that will be integrated into the H160M aircraft, continuing SKYTRAC’s growth across the special missions sector.
“We are excited to equip the H160M, a leading modern platform, with equally leading-edge capabilities such as live video streaming, image and large file transfer, satellite voice, text, and Push-to-Talk (PTT), and Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) automation,” mentions Jan van der Heul, Vice President of Sales at SKYTRAC. “LEO satellite communications are revolutionizing operations, and we are excited to spearhead that progress.”
He added that: “With 99.9 per cent uptime reliability using the Iridium NEXT satellite constellation, SKYTRAC’s solution will provide the French Armed Forces with the reliable connectivity and mission-critical capabilities required for successful, safe, and efficient operations. We look forward to continuing our long-standing relationship with Airbus Helicopters and supporting them in the launch of their latest helicopter.
Airbus was chosen to head the Joint Light Helicopter Project in late 2021
The French Armament General Directorate (DGA) selected Airbus to oversee the Joint Light Helicopter project in December 2021. The project aims to develop a new state-of-the-art military helicopter capable of missions ranging from commando infiltration to air intercept, fire support, and anti-ship warfare, supporting the requirements of all three branches of the French Armed Forces.
With the objective to replace five types of helicopters serving in the French Army, Navy, and Air Force, Airbus Helicopters will be providing a total of 169 H160M in batches, starting in 2027. These aircraft will be factory-equipped with SKYTRAC’s SDL-700 to enable broadband Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity to support high value mission-critical capabilities.