Intelsat’s new ESA-based IFC antenna- photo by Intelsat

Intelsat is launching a new IFC solution for use by its airline customers. In an announcement on Tuesday, the satellite operator said that its new  solution will feature a state-of-the-art new ESA-based terminal that offers increased flexibility to its airline customers.

The solution is a first in a new line of multi-orbit terminals developed by Intelsat with the capability to interoperate with its established GEO satellites in addition to new LEO or MEO satellites. It believes this will be an important feature that will deliver direct benefits to airlines and passengers.

The new terminal fits a variety of aircraft and mission profiles ranging from the smallest commercial aircraft to international widebody aircraft. Standing just 3½ inches (90mm) high on the fuselage, it aims to deliver operational savings driven by a low-profile installation that reduces drag, fuel burn and carbon emissions. It has worked with Ball Aerospace and Stellar Blu Solutions on the design.

“We’ve always been a leader in revolutionary aero terminal design and integration; our 2Ku antenna remains the market leader and we’re now complementing the line-up with this new option. The Intelsat terminal not only provides the most flexible solution for customers but is built for true multi-orbit operation which will outperform emerging competitors that are using smaller ESA solutions capable of working solely on LEO networks,” Dave Bijur, Intelsat’s SVP, Commercial Aviation, said in a statement.