Honeywell offers AW139 operators high-speed broadband

An AgustaWestland AW139 flying.

Honeywell Aerospace now offers AgustaWestland AW139 owners its Aspire 200 satellite communications system. It is the the first high-speed wireless broadband solution for helicopters.

The company has been awarded a supplemental type certificate (STC) by the FAA, the Aspire 200 system enables helicopters to utilise SwiftBroadband, an aircraft connectivity service provided through Inmarsat-4 satellites.

In the past, the helicopter’s rotor blades would interfere and block satellite communications signals to the helicopter. The Honeywell Aspire 200 and HDR software address this problem using a proprietary Long Burst Interleaver. The new system should significantly improve data communications for the commercial helicopter market and critical missions such as search and rescue and oil and gas.

“The Aspire 200 High Data Rate solution can transmit more data, faster, than any other L-band system on the market, creating a cost-effective, lightweight and highly capable system for helicopter operators.”

Tom Hart, vice president, Defense and Space, Honeywell Aerospace said: “The Aspire 200 High Data Rate solution can transmit more data, faster, than any other L-band system on the market, creating a cost-effective, lightweight and highly capable system for helicopter operators. Honeywell already provides leading avionics for helicopters, and the new high-speed data transfer capabilities will complement our existing onboard technology and further enhance the safety and operational efficiency for operators.”

The company worked with Safran Engineering Services and Pro Star Aviation on the STC.

Honeywell is showcasing its satellite communications and avionics offerings at the NBAA convention next week in Las Vegas.