The Stellar Blu Solutions multi-orbit Sidewinder aero terminal. Photo: Stellar Blu Solutions

Stellar Blu Solutions has completed qualification on the multi-orbit Sidewinder terminal designed to deliver in-flight connectivity (IFC) for airlines. Both Stellar Blu and strategic partner BAE Systems have ramped up production on the terminal to meet more than 1,000 existing orders. 

The Ku-band terminal received DO-160 airborne equipment qualification in March and then completed flight testing in June and received its first supplemental type certification (STC) from the Federal Aviation Administration. Stellar Blu was responsible for the qualification and STC process for the terminal. 

Airlines can now begin integrating the system onto regional jets. Several hundred installations are scheduled for over the next year.  Intelsat, Panasonic, OneWeb, and others have all selected Sidewinder for their IFC offerings. 

BAE Systems designs and produces the transmit antenna, receive antenna, and antenna control software that Stellar Blu integrates into its Sidewinder terminal. The Sidewinder is a complete aero terminal, and the full kit includes all external and cabin components to support internet service providers offering multi-orbit connectivity. 

“The need for quality in-flight connectivity is growing every day, as displayed by our already considerable number of orders,” said Paula Burns, vice president and general manager of Tactical Solutions for BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems. “This is a major milestone for both BAE Systems and Stellar Blu, and it will serve as a building block as we continue to advance these capabilities for our commercial and military customers.”

Stellar Blu is currently going through a deal to be acquired by Gilat Satellite Networks to boost Gilat’s presence in the IFC market.