Rockwell Collins' high-speed SATCOM system has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certification (STC) on the Falcon 50, 900 and 900EX.

This is the first STC installation that permits the use of Aero safety services in the flight deck and simultaneous voice and high-speed data in the cabin. This is made possible through a Rockwell Collins proprietary software management system that ensures the flight deck maintains its priority and pre-emptive receipt of essential communications. The management system also validates frequency assignments to ensure there is no potential interference with GPS frequencies. The installation and STC was completed by Pentastar Aviation in Waterford, Mich.

The Collins HST-900 enables enhanced passenger connectivity, including access to e-mail and the Internet while in flight. Designed as a companion to the Collins SAT-906 satellite communications system, the HST-900 provides 64 kilobits per second connectivity using Inmarsat's Swift64 service and an aircraft's existing SATCOM antenna and SAT-906 high-power amplifier.

The HST-900 is equipped with Ethernet, ISDN and RS-232 interfaces for maximum installation flexibility. The system enables simultaneous use of high-speed data and Aero H/H+ services through a common 60-watt high power amplifier and high-gain antenna. Once installed, the HST-900 can be upgraded for new generations of Inmarsat high-speed data services without affecting the SAT-906 functionality.

FMI: www.rockwellcollins.com; www.falconjet.com