Honeywell's New Satcom System Brings Worldwide Voice And Data Connectivity To Cockpit And Cabin

April 9, 2018

Honeywell (NYSE: HON) announced the availability of its newest satellite communications system, the Aspire 400, which provides aircraft flight crews and passengers with access to worldwide voice and data connectivity and provides pilots with critical cockpit safety services. The compact and lightweight system for business jets and commercial or military aircraft provides connectivity to both the cockpit and the cabin simultaneously, which in turn results in safer, more efficient and more comfortable flights than previously possible. 

"As pilot and passenger demand for data and services continues to grow, our latest satellite communications system delivers superior call quality, videoconferencing and the ability to stream content in a single system. Plus, that system is more than 100 pounds lighter than comparable products," said Mark Goodman, product director, Honeywell Aerospace. "Aspire 400 helps our customers deliver consistent communications through a secure connection while reducing aircraft downtime and delays."

The first release of the Aspire 400 satellite communication system includes the operator's choice of either an intermediate-gain or a high-gain antenna. The system includes a satellite data unit, a configuration module, a high-power amplifier, and a diplexer/low noise amplifier. The Aspire 400 provides connectivity to pilots and passengers alike through two independent SwiftBroadband channels and Inmarsat's I-4 network. Using Inmarsat's SwiftBroadband–Safety service, pilots have access to a separate, secure data channel for essential safety communications in the cockpit – like text messaging with air traffic control or in-flight tracking – as well as electronic flight bag applications. Passengers can use the second channel for SwiftBroadband voice and data connectivity in the cabin.

Aspire 400 is the newest addition to Honeywell's line of Aspire satellite communications systems, providing access to voice and data communications around the world. Exclusive to the innovative Aspire product family is the ability to install two different Aspire satcom systems on the same aircraft in "dual satcom" mode. For example, the Aspire 400 system can be installed together with Honeywell's new Aspire 350 system to provide redundancy over multiple networks.

With the Aspire 400, pilots, flight crews and passengers can access Honeywell's suite of GoDirect® software and apps, including GoDirect Cabin Connectivity. This application controls connectivity services and usage, and can help operators save up to $100,000 per year. The Aspire 400 system is also a quick and easy upgrade for legacy satcom systems like MCS-7000 or MCS-7200.