Thuraya, the mobile satellite services subsidiary of UAE satellite operator, Yahsat, and Austria-based satellite communication solutions developer SCOTTY Group, have announced that they have secured line-fit offerability for the Thuraya Aero mobile connectivity solution on Airbus H145 and H135 helicopters.
Now, Airbus customers can install and customise their Thuraya Aero kit when ordering new aircraft. The system will be fitted on the production line, with no need for further tests and verification. The aircraft will be ready to use on delivery, with voice and data connectivity fully functioning.
Thuraya Aero is an in-flight connectivity and data-sharing platform that uses mobile satellite communications to provide internet access, text messaging, phone calls, VOIP, video and audio conferencing as well as aerial surveillance, especially for BLOS missions.
The more compact integration also optimises space utilisation. In addition, the Aero has built-in video transmission capability that offers real-time video streaming through on-board HD camera systems, enhancing its appeal for ISR and SAR aircraft as well as other air systems.
Thuraya and SCOTTY showcased the solution’s live streaming capabilities at Dubai Air Show in November 2019, wherein data was transmitted to Dubai from an airborne Airbus H145 helicopter in Germany.
Commenting on the development, Sulaiman Al Ali, Deputy CEO of Thuraya, said: “We are delighted to have achieved this milestone for Thuraya Aero. Line-fit certification, which undergoes a rigorous compliance process, is a testament to the reliability and robustness of our network and airborne satellite communications services. It is of paramount importance to our government customers to access onboard communication as soon as they take possession of their new aircraft so they are ready in their mission-critical duties. We are thankful for the steadfast support of our partner, SCOTTY Group and the guidance received from Airbus, both of whom contributed enormously to us reaching this momentous goal.”
Mark Robert Henning, Senior Program Manager H145, remarked: “Holding line-fit offerability is crucial for customers who want to avoid post-delivery retrofit modification which can ground a plane for several months. Thuraya’s aero mobility solution will give our customers new cost- and time-effective connectivity choices for their Airbus H145 and H135 helicopters.”
Kurt Kerschat, CEO of SCOTTY Group, noted: “Line-fit offerability is a great accomplishment for Thuraya Aero and SCOTTY Group. Being listed as a supplier with Airbus Helicopters and meeting all the necessary compliance standards for airborne hardware equipment such as DO-160 is a phenomenal achievement, of which we are all proud.”
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