The E-SAT 300A: a multichannel satellite communication system for aircraft

The authors provide a technical description and highlight the advantages of a multichannel airborne digital satellite communication system that meets the operational requirements of the aeronautical standard for the International Maritime Satellite Organization (INMARSAT) and the airworthiness requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The system has been named the E-SAT 300A aircraft earth station (AES). At present, the E-SAT 300A AES is designed to provide aircraft with telephone and data communication capabilities through three simultaneous full duplex channels. The E-SAT 300A AES uses a small mechanical steered antenna system to achieve a maximum antenna coverage of 360° in azimuth and -30° to +90° in elevation. The E-SAT 300A antenna system is installed inside an aerodynamically shaped radome that is mounted on top of the aircraft fuselage. The E-SAT 300A AES was designed for installation on aircraft similar in size to Gulfstream IV or larger