HTM and Zimex to integrate SKYTRAC satcom on aircraft fleets
HTM will employ the system on its helicopter fleets, while Zimex will employ it in fixed wing aircraft
Satellite communications developer SKYTRAC Systems has announced that both helicopter operator HTM Group and remote field operations provider Zimex Aviation have selected SKYTRAC SDL-350 satcom system for use in their aircraft fleets.
The HTM Group will integrate the system aboard its onboard helicopter airframes including the Airbus H145 and EC145. Meanwhile, Zimex Aviation will equip the solution onboard its fixed wing DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft.
The system features a satellite terminal, data acquisition and onboard server system, providing up to 704 Kbps of high throughput transmission for a variety of applications including live video streaming and data transmission. SKYTRAC says the system provides 99.9 per cent uptime reliability with low latency using the Low Earth Orbit Iridium NEXT satellite constellation and Iridium Certus service.
The system can also extend the bandwidth capability of the Iridium Certus service to upgrade inflight connectivity and connects to passenger devices through an in-cabin Wi-Fi network.
SKYTRAC says that the solution offers consistent, reliable connectivity in all weather conditions and natural disasters, at a more cost-effective rate than compared with legacy geostationary satcom services.
“We are excited to work with SKYTRAC to integrate and certify this solution onboard industry-leading rotorcraft,” said Andreas Schühle, Head of Business Development and Special Mission Projects of HTM Group.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca is a Junior Editor at the Voyageur Group. He was previously a News and Features Journalist for the rail magazine IRJ until 2021, and studied MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. His favourite helicopter is the AW169 – the workhorse of the UK air ambulance sector! He also led the creation of Waypoint: The AirMed&Rescue podcast, serving as its Production Editor and co-host.