July 22, 2016 – Thales has signed a development and manufacturing agreement with AceAxis, a developer of wireless technology, to adapt AceAxis’ remote radio head (RRH) design for use in a commercial aircraft broadband connectivity system.
According to the partners, the RRH will be a key component in the new Complementary Ground Component (CGC) terminal, which Thales is developing and manufacturing for use with Inmarsat’s European Aviation Network (EAN) high-speed in-flight connectivity solution. EAN integrates an LTE-based ground network with satellite communications to provide aviation passenger connectivity.
“The CGC terminal we are developing will be fitted onto aircraft to provide a crucial link with the LTE-based ground network, and the system will switch automatically between satellite and terrestrial connectivity to provide a seamlessly optimized broadband service to passengers, wherever they are flying within Europe,” said David Williams, procurement director for avionics at Thales.
The European Aviation Network is expected to enter service during 2017, following completion of development work and system trials.
