ThinKom and CarlisleIT announce new Ka-band satellite antenna for regional jets

ThinKom Solutions and Carlisle Interconnect Technologies have announced plans to bring to market a new fully integrated phased-array Ka-band satellite antenna solution to meet the increasing demand for high-speed in-flight connectivity on regional jet fleets.

The antenna solution, ThinAir Ka1717, uses Variable Inclination Continuous Transverse Stub (VICTS) technology that is currently in use on thousands of narrowbody and widebody aircraft. The companies say the new lightweight, low-profile VICTS antenna system has been designed to meet the specific weight and space requirements of regional jet fleets and to optimise fuel efficiency.

Bill Milroy, CTO and Chairman of ThinKom Solutions, said: “Until now, it has been impractical for regional jet operators to offer their passengers the same level of in-flight connectivity experience as larger passenger jets, mostly because of the size, weight and drag of existing aero antenna systems.

“The Ka1717 addresses this need with an antenna system that is the ideal form factor for regional jets, designed to operate on any Ka-band constellation the customer chooses and is based on ThinKom’s existing, highly reliable and efficient VICTS antenna designs. This system is a key enabler to contracting with airlines to a very high service level agreement.”

Chris Rawley, CarlisleIT’s Product Line Manager for Connectivity, said: “The Ka1717 form factor has enabled CarlisleIT to optimise the installation footprint for the narrower fuselages of regional aircraft. This supports a dorsal mounted SATCOM solution without the typical drag penalties of larger antennas.”