[Satellite TODAY 08-25-10] Satellite communications equipment manufacturer Thrane & Thrane has released its new Aviator 300 and 350 Swiftbroadband solutions, the company announced Aug. 24.
     The compact, light weight and customizable Aviator 300 unit is designed to support an extensive range of unmanned aircraft applications and provide data connectivity speeds of up to 332kbps. The unit enables real-time video, voice and data links between aircraft and ground control stations utilizing an intermediate gain antenna, a router and a WiFi and PBX beam-steering unit. The system also includes an exceptionally small high power and low noise amplifier and diplexer unit.
    The Aviator 350 provides data speeds of up to 432kbps when combined with a high gain antenna. The unit was designed to offer all of the capabilities and form factor of the Aviator 300, in addition to the full spectrum of SwiftBroadband services offered within Inmarsat’s I-4 constellation, including the Inmarsat BGAN X-Stream service.
    “Aviator 300 and 350 offer a wealth of functionality including real-time video streaming to enable critical access between the aircraft and the ground control stations. Furthermore, Aviator 300 and 350 can be easily customized to meet the maximum number of specific requirements for UAS ISR missions. Today, both systems are operating on board several key UAS platforms and are performing exceptionally well for their operators," Thrane & Thrane Director of Aeronautical Sales for the Americas region Andy Beers said in a statement.
     Thrane & Thrane introduced the Aviator brand across its SwiftBroadband product portfolio in April.