Iridium Communications has released Iridium Certus — a new aviation commercial service offering a secure cockpit domain with consistent voice and data capabilities.
This launch makes Iridium Connected available for commercial transport aircraft, business aviation, helicopters, private aircraft and uncrewed aircraft systems with compact, cost-effective and high-coverage equipment, the McLean, Virginia-based company announced on Monday.
Matt Desch, CEO of Iridium and a nine-time Wash100 Award winner, said that in a “period of unprecedented growth” for the aviation industry, reliable connectivity is “crucial” for passenger and cockpit communications. He said that due to its Size, Weight and Power, or SWaP, and the reliability of Iridium’s global network, Iridium Certus “perfectly fits” these communications applications.
Iridium Certus is tailorable to device-specific SWaP needs both up and down to fit a wide variety of aircraft and operational demands and meet customer mission requirements. It offers operators the ability to gather real-time data from the cockpit to enhance decision-making and boost operational efficiency.
The technology utilizes L-band satellite frequencies to enable cockpit communications and harmonizes with Ka/Ku band services. Its capabilities allow it to function as a primary service for small to mid-size business jet cabins, and Iridium’s low-earth orbit satellite constellation provides weather-resilient L-band connectivity and worldwide coverage.
“With our upgraded constellation, we have significantly improved and expanded our offerings, delivering air traffic control services, weather and critical information to cockpits worldwide more affordably than ever before,” said Desch.
John Peterson, executive director of aviation at Iridium, noted that the organization’s first-generation voice and data offerings are installed on more than 60,000 aircraft.
“As the preferred solution for a wide range of aviation applications, from drones to airliners, Iridium Certus is ready to support the industry’s evolving connectivity needs,” he said.
Partners of Iridium are working to launch multi-tier Iridium Certus products compatible with other in-flight connectivity systems. Currently, Iridium Certus 100 and Certus 700 are undergoing the safety certification process. Flight trials are anticipated to begin by late 2023, while approvals are expected in 2024.
