Kontron and ThinKom collaborate for Ka-band SATCOM antenna platform

Kontron and ThinKom have collaboeated to demonstrate and make readily available a new Ka-band SATCOM solution to the avionics market.

Together, Kontron’s AF4783 dual modem MODMAN and ThinKom’s ThinAir Ka2517 phased-array satcom antenna will provide multi-orbit interoperability between GSO and NGSO satellites, providing its airline customers with access to a network-agnostic solution.

“We are committed to providing customers with the right building blocks to differentiate their offerings and gain a competitive advantage in the IFE&C market,” said Tony Squeglia, Business Development Director, Kontron. “Our active involvement in the Seamless Air Alliance coupled with organisations within the satellite connectivity market, like ThinKom, is paving the way for an open platform approach with future-proof capabilities.”

Kontron’s AF4783 Dual Modem MODMAN combines serve and network-grade hardware with two satellite modems in a compact, ARINC 791/792 4MCU compliant system, with capabilities to expand by integrating the Auxilliary Modem Unit (AMU) to support a third modem. ThinKom’s ThinAir Ka2517 antenna delivers robust, highly efficient satellite communications operating across multiple orbits, packed in a low-profile footprint that minimises drag and fuel emissions.

“ThinKom’s antennas are proven as the industry’s most reliable and efficient, and by partnering with Kontron, this complete system enables airlines and integrators to quickly deploy a network-agnostic solution that offers an array of modem combinations, not only for today, but also for tomorrow,” added Bill Milroy, CTO and Chairman, ThinKom.