LYNGBY, Denmark - Cobham SATCOM's AVIATOR 300 SwiftBroadband solution has received a Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for its installation aboard a range of Airbus aircraft.

Particularly suited to meet the requirements of airlines with services such as voice and data connectivity, the AVIATOR 300 certification for the A319, A320 and A321 airframe types was developed by Avionics Support Group Inc. The STC was accomplished on a private A319CJ aircraft, with plans for its conversion to a European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) or Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) STC.

The AVIATOR 300 system improves flight safety and operations by enabling the airline operations department to stay connected to their aircraft at all times. It provides services such as immediate aircraft tracking information and Ethernet ports for connecting devices like Aircraft Interface Devices (AIDs) and Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs) for the pilots to obtain real-time information including graphical weather updates.

The AVIATOR 300 also has the bandwidth to send the real-time data of the aircraft health monitoring systems, such as engine monitoring, as well as in-flight entertainment and connectivity for passenger text messaging and email.

Kim Gram, VP Aeronautical, Cobham SATCOM, said: "This STC is significant as it means airlines' flight operations departments will have the ability to access aircraft data in real time from the ground while the aircraft is in flight, which will significantly improve flight safety and operational efficiencies. For example, an airline can send real-time Triggered Fault Warning Indicators directly to flight ops so they can react pro-actively by organising the correct maintenance team and parts to meet the aircraft at the gate.

"The STC will also introduce Wi-Fi so that passengers can benefit by being connected with near global wireless connectivity. The AVIATOR 300 will enable them to use smart phones, personal tablets and laptops for a multitude of applications during all phases of flight."

The AVIATOR 300 system, which features the compact and lightweight Intermediate Gain Antenna IGA-5001 to ensure a low profile on the fuselage, provides for fast and reliable connectivity on the Inmarsat SwiftBroadband I-4 satellite network. The system supports high quality, low-cost voice calling and the full complement of data services and provides near global coverage, on the ground or in the air.

Further advantages include recurrent maintenance savings due to the high reliability of the AVIATOR system and recurrent weight savings (approximately 50 to 150lbs) over traditional legacy SATCOM systems.

Cobham will supply the AVIATOR 300 equipment directly to the airlines, while the FAA Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) installation kits and STC rights can be purchased from Avionics Support Group Inc.

The AVIATOR 300 is part of Cobham's cutting-edge SwiftBroadband product portfolio and provides a cost effective solution for a wide range of airframes, with a full range of features and options. In addition to the Airbus aircraft, the system has been certified for several key aircraft including the Boeing 757, a range of Cessna aircraft, the Citation X, G200, Embraer 135 (Legacy 600/650) and Bombardier Challenger 300.

The full Cobham SATCOM AVIATOR range includes the revolutionary AVIATOR S series, AVIATOR 700 and 700D, AVIATOR 350 with High Gain Antenna (HGA), AVIATOR 300 with IGA as well as the exceptionally compact and lightweight AVIATOR 200 with Low Gain Antenna (LGA).

For further information please visit www.cobham.com/satcom.

About Cobham

Cobham protects lives and livelihoods with its differentiated technology and know-how, operating with a deep insight to customer needs and agility. The Group offers an innovative range of technologies and services to solve challenging problems across commercial, defence and security markets, from deep space to the depths of the ocean. It has market leading positions in air-to-air refuelling; aviation services; audio, video and data communications, including satellite communications; defence electronics; life support and mission equipment. The most important thing Cobham builds is trust.

About Cobham SATCOM

Cobham SATCOM develops, manufactures, sells and supports satellite and radio communication terminals and earth stations for land, marine and airborne applications. With the ever increasing demand for communication, our products and services are used to satisfy the needs of a wide variety of commercial, governmental and recreational applications.

Cobham SATCOM uses state-of-the-art technologies to design affordable, highly reliable high performance systems that have decreased over time in terms of size, weight and power consumption. Our products enable people to stay in touch under the most challenging and demanding conditions. When traditional communication technologies fail, Cobham SATCOM's products will keep providing our customers with high quality voice, data, and multimedia communications.

Our product designs have evolved tremendously during their decades in service in use around the world in a variety of domains and environments. We market under the AVIATOR, EXPLORER, SAILOR® and Sea Tel brands. Please refer to our websites for our list of global distributors and partners. Cobham SATCOM has design, development and manufacturing facilities in Denmark, Norway, South Africa and the USA.

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