This expanded partnership will allow Skytrac to optimize and integrate the modem, as well as manufacture terminals leveraging the improved bandwidth of Iridium Certus.

Enhanced communication capabilities for aircraft operators

The modem will be redesigned by Skytrac for size, weight, and power aviation grade optimizations to provide a streamlined fit for its new 2-MCU satellite communications (SATCOM) terminal, the SDL350TM. Scheduled to be introduced to the market in 2021, the SDL-350 will be capable of achieving globally available broadband transfer rates of 352 kbps both to and from the aircraft. 

“As a new VAM for the Iridium Certus 9810 and a valued long-time Iridium partner, Skytrac continues to produce fullservice, data-driven solutions to the aviation industry,” said Bryan Hartin, Executive Vice-President, Sales and Marketing, Iridium. “We’re excited to see Skytrac expand their product offerings by designing, developing and manufacturing new products utilizing the Iridium Certus 9810 and Iridium Certus 9770 transceivers.”

Streamlining operations for cost-conscious operators

The SDL-350 will enable operators within all segments of aviation to add new capabilities to their operations such as live video streaming, EO/IR imaging, telemedicine, Timely Recovery of Flight Data, large file transfers, credit card processing, GADSS, and more. 

Skytrac is deep in the development process for its Iridium Certus ISAT-200A-08TM, a follow-up to its predecessor, the ISAT-200A. The new unit will adopt the ISAT-200A’s all-in-one capabilities, which include flight following, SATCOM voice and messaging, Push-to-Talk, flight data acquisition, Flight Data Monitoring, Electronic Flight Bag automation, and Real-Time Health and Usage Monitoring. 

The refreshed ISAT-200A-08 terminal will build on the successes of the previous generation by also enabling VoIP communications, image transfer, graphical weather, medical data transfer, as well as custom applications developed for specific operator requirements. The Skytrac midband solution will be the clear choice for globally available, pole-to-pole connectivity for cost-conscious operators looking to streamline operational efficiencies while still adding new capabilities.