Astronics begins STC process for next-gen connectivity on Boeing 777

Astronics Corporation has announced that its latest Supplemental Type Certification (STC) project has been accepted by the FAA, regarding the installation of a next-generation satellite connectivity system on board Boeing 777-type aircraft. Approval is scheduled for the second quarter of 2024.

The system comprises a ThinKom Ka2517 phased-array aero satellite antenna, an Astronics Dual-Modem ModMan (ADMM) and an Astronics radome/support structure system (its OAE – outside aircraft equipment).

ADMM is Astronics’ newest modem manager (ModMan), integrating two high-throughput aerospace modems, an application processor, and aircraft IO in a single 4MCU package for operator network flexibility. Astronics’ OAE support structure is comprised of a radome, a newly designed adapter plate, a skirt, and wiring. Meanwhile the Ka2517 ultra-low-profile antenna is designed to deliver network flexibility and consistent high performance for global inflight broadband. All the products have been developed in partnership with Safran Passenger Innovations.

ThinKom’s VICTS phased-array technology has accrued more than 33 million hours of accrued operation in the field, with a claimed mean time between failure (MTBF) exceeding 100,000 hours. The antenna also supports multi-orbit operations, enabling the next generation of inflight connectivity once certified and installed on the 777.