Conceptual image from Honeywell illustrates in-flight connectivity for aircraft. Photo: Honeywell

[Via Satellite 02-10-2014] Honeywell and Inmarsat have finalized the critical design review (CDR) of the GX Aviation aircraft avionics on schedule. The product is expected to be introduced in the first half of 2015.

GX Aviation is a global high-speed in-flight connectivity service that will provide the aircraft with data rates of up to 50 Mbps. With GX Aviation, passengers will have the ability to update and browse social media, emails and live-stream TV while flying anywhere in the world.

The completion of the CDR marks the final development review for the GX Aviation aircraft avionics program, and follows the launch of Inmarsat 5 F1, the first of three Ka-band satellites that will provide this global coverage.

“Successful completion of our final design review is one more milestone along our path to product introduction in the first half of 2015,” said Jack Jacobs, vice president of marketing for Honeywell safety and information systems. “We are on track to bring a new level of high-speed, in-fight connectivity to consumers and airlines around the world, regardless of whether it is a domestic or international flight. In addition, we are actively working with several air transport and business aviation manufacturers to provide GX Aviation and to enable a truly connected aircraft from gate to gate and from ground to over 40,000 feet.”