Panasonic Avionics Corporation (PAC) has announced that it is developing a next-generation Ku-band antenna in partnership with ThinKom Solutions. The antenna, named ThinAir, builds upon ThinKom’s flight-proven VICTS (Variable Inclination Continuous Transverse Stub) technology to connect aircraft with PAC’s global network of high-bandwidth Ku-band satellites.
The companies state that the low-profile antenna design offers airlines advantages including support for LEO (low earth orbit) and GEO (geostationary orbit) satellite networks (both current and future satellite constellations), high-speed throughput, aerodynamic efficiency, gate-to-gate operations, and competitive operating costs. ThinAir will be offered to PAC’s airline customers for both line-fit and retrofit installations, with first deliveries due in 2023.
“This agreement with Panasonic Avionics is an important validation of our VICTS phased-array antennas, which are designed to seamlessly roam on both LEO and GEO networks, delivering unparalleled flexibility and resiliency to ensure the highest level of bandwidth services and availability to airline customers,” stated Mark Silk, president of ThinKom Solutions, Inc.
“The combination of our VICTS technology and Panasonic Avionics’ experience and commitment to in-flight entertainment and connectivity provides an extremely compelling value proposition to commercial airlines, both today and in the future.”
