Dassault Falcon business jets to be equipped with first high-speed broadband Wi-Fi service to span the world
Geneva, Switzerland | May 21, 2017– Honeywell (NYSE: HON) announced today that its high-speed broadband Wi-Fi system, designed to provide aircraft with Internet speeds similar to those in homes and offices is now an option for new Dassault Falcon business jets. The system can also be installed on planes already in service. Honeywell’s JetWave antennas and hardware enable Inmarsat’s high-speed Jet ConneX service. Once installed, the system allows Dassault fliers to enjoy video streaming and phone calls, music and movie downloads, access to private company networks, online shopping, and much more through one global network with significantly fewer signal drops than other connectivity services, even over oceans.
Based on a wider wireless frequency pipe than other global satellite networks, Honeywell’s system enables global Ka-band connection. Honeywell’s JetWave is now available as an option for installation aboard new Falcon 900LX, Falcon 7X, Falcon 8X, Falcon 5X business jets with initial delivery in mid-2017. For existing Dassault customers, Honeywell’s JetWave hardware is available for current installation on the Falcon 7X and Falcon 900 Series aircraft.
“We believe that the future of business aviation lies in global connectivity. Demand from our customers and operators for reliable, high-speed, global Wi-Fi is growing exponentially,” said Olivier Villa, executive vice president, Civil Aircraft, Dassault Aviation. “Honeywell’s JetWave hardware, combined with Jet ConneX service from Inmarsat, is just the right solution to meet this need. It is one of the best offerings on the market and ensures our customers the ultimate in onboard comfort and productivity.”
“With JetWave, Dassault operators and owners can now benefit from consistent, high-speed connectivity to browse the internet, stream videos and videoconference virtually anywhere in the world,” said Michael Edmonds, president, Services and Connectivity, Honeywell Aerospace. “As truly global high-speed connectivity becomes more accessible to business jet operators, they can connect their aircraft beyond the cabin, which will help them fly safer and more efficiently, ultimately increasing the passenger experience.” Kurt Weidemeyer, Inmarsat vice president of Business Aviation, said: “Jet ConneX is the only global, high-speed Wi-Fi service option for business jets, offering levels of speed and reliability that have not previously been available in the air. We are pleased to bring this unmatched technology to Dassault’s loyal customers, giving them the ability to work, enjoy entertainment and stay in touch with what’s happening on the ground.”
Germany | February 26, 2016– 328 Design GmbH (328DO), part of the 328 Group, the Germany-based refurbishment, completions and aircraft maintenance specialist, has successfully achieved the first Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the Dassault Falcon 50EX from the US FAA under the FAA/EASA bilateral safety agreement.
The STC covers extensive cabin refurbishment including the replacement of the legacy Cabin Management System/In-flight Entertainment (CMS/IFE) with Honeywell Ovation Select state-of-the-art Audio/HD Video Entertainment and CMS including T-PED (Transmitting Portable Electronic Device) connectivity via Wi-Fi. Additional features include a complete cabin refurbishment, replacing all hard and soft materials, the installation of new LED cabin lighting and galley modification.
The project was achieved in collaboration with USA-based Duncan Aviation at the company’s full service facility in Battle Creek, Michigan. This latest STC marks 328DO’s 21st collaboration with Duncan Aviation in the four years the companies have been working together.
The validation process posed a number of challenges as the project has been classified as a non-standard STC. However, following extensive collaboration and support from both EASA and the FAA, 328 Design GmbH was able to overcome the difficulties.
Leading the project was Jörg Gorkenant, Chief Operating Officer and Head of 328DO. He commented: “We are delighted to receive this first STC for the Dassault Falcon 50EX from the FAA. 328DO has become renowned for its expertise on certification capabilities and this represents another major milestone for the company.”
The awarding of the STC follows a significant track record of success in certification achievements for 328DO, who have to date amassed STCs and minor mods approvals on various aircraft types.
328DO has collaborated with Duncan Aviation on EASA STC approvals for aircraft including the Bombardier Challenger Series, Global Express, Dassault Falcon 900EX and 2000 as well as 7X and Citation 560XL.
Geneva | May 18, 2015– Rockwell Collins has been selected to provide the FalconCabin HD+ cabin management and entertainment system for Dassault’s new Falcon Jet 5X and Falcon Jet 8X business aircraft. With this selection, Rockwell Collins builds upon its role as Dassault’s sole cabin system supplier for its entire new aircraft fleet*.
“Falcon Jet cabins are renowned for exceptional comfort and performance, and our customized cabin solution for the 5X and 8X, which is based on our industry-leading Venue system, will utilize advanced technologies to create this environment for passengers to work, rest and play,” said Greg Irmen, vice president and general manager, Flight Controls and Information Systems for Rockwell Collins. “Our many years of working with Dassault were key to this selection and we look forward to elevating this relationship to a whole new level.”
Rockwell Collins’ Venue-based cabin system for Falcon Jet 5X and Falcon Jet 8X will provide customization capabilities for flexibility to accommodate intuitive, easy-to-control cabin interfaces and consumer technologies that passengers desire. It will also include content programming options and the latest version of Rockwell Collins’ interactive Airshow® 3D Moving Map to keep passengers informed and engaged throughout their journey.
- Significant program will offer Falcon operators a cost-effective solution to comply with emerging airspace mandates
Orlando, FL | October 20, 2014– Gogo Inc. (NASDAQ: GOGO), a leading global aero- communications service provider, announces that Dassault will offer a factory-approved solution to help Falcon operators comply with emerging FANS (Future Air Navigation System) mandates. The solution includes Iridium-based communications systems from Gogo’s subsidiary, Gogo Business Aviation LLC.
Beginning in November, the solution is expected to be available via a Dassault Service Bulletin at any authorized Falcon service facility for Falcon 900, Falcon 2000 and Falcon 7X aircraft with EASy II flight decks.
FANS capabilities are useful features on the most desirable and frequently-used oceanic routes between North America and Europe. FANS technologies allow flight crews and air traffic controllers to exchange safety-sensitive flight information via digital data link – such as clearances and requests to climb or descend. They also enable automated position reporting via the aircraft’s Flight Management System. FANS can enable aircraft to obtain preferential altitudes and routing which improves efficiency, reduces fuel consumption and saves time.
“Creating a cost-effective FANS solution for our customers has been a top priority. Gogo Business Aviation’s expertise with FANS and next-generation datalink services made them a great partner in this important project,” said Mr. Olivier Villa, Senior Vice President, Civil Aircraft, Dassault Aviation. “A significant number of Falcon operators already have Gogo’s Iridium-based Axxess system installed on their aircraft and our FANS solution will permit a simple upgrade for that equipment as part of the overall compliance package.”
John Wade, Gogo Business Aviation’s executive vice president and general manager, added, “With the forthcoming mandates, FANS is a very important topic among business aircraft operators in today’s market. We’re pleased to help Dassault bring a cost-effective solution to Falcon operators all over the world.”
From an equipment perspective, Dassault’s new FANS solution incorporates Gogo Business Aviation’s Iridium-based Axxess system and Data Interface Unit (DIU). Both systems meet FAA DO-178B (Level D) certification requirements for FANS.
First introduced in 2005, the Axxess system is a prolific system in the business aviation market – currently flying on thousands of aircraft and offered as standard or optional equipment by most major business aircraft manufacturers. Paired with Gogo Business Aviation’s Data Interface Unit (DIU), the FANS- compliant Axxess system is available to existing customers as a field retrofit through a special upgrade/exchange program. It is also available for new installations.
– New Skybox cabin solution and Airshow app for iPad® available for Falcon 7X, 900LX and 2000LX aircraft
Orlando, FL | October 29, 2012– Dassault’s Falcon 7X, 900LX and 2000LX passengers will be the first to experience the latest cabin innovations from Rockwell Collins on the FalconCabin HD+ cabin management system, which leverages technology from Rockwell Collins’ Venue.
The new optional features include Skybox, an airworthy cabin solution, unveiled by Rockwell Collins at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) convention, that allows passengers to wirelessly share Hollywood-protected content to and from iPads. FalconCabin HD+ also features Rockwell Collins’ recently announced Airshow app for the iPad® as an option.
“The FalconCabin HD+ system is rich with new technology that elevates the passenger experience to a new level of engagement,” said Dave Austin, vice president and general manager, Cabin Systems for Rockwell Collins. “The addition of Skybox brings the latest in the digital home entertainment experience into the aircraft cabin.”
Rockwell Collins’ Airshow moving map solution for FalconCabin HD+ delivers a new dynamic experience, which includes an interactive 3D moving map for in-seat video and bulkhead monitors and the new Airshow app for the iPad. The app provides an unprecedented way for passengers to monitor and track their flight progress, including a panoramic view that displays a moving map any direction the iPad is pointed − as if the aircraft were transparent.
The FalconCabin HD+ cabin system, designed jointly by Rockwell Collins and Dassault Falcon Jet, utilizes a state-of-the-art fiber optic network to distribute crisp high-definition audio and video content using a family of intuitive, user-friendly touch-screen monitors. The new cabin system gives passengers total control of everything in the cabin in one easy-to-use solution.
Initial deliveries of new Falcon 7X, 900LX aircraft equipped with the new FalconCabin HD+ are expected later this year. Deliveries on the Falcon 2000LX will start in mid-2013.
BROOMFIELD, Colo., Sept. 16 — Aircell, the world’s leading provider of airborne communications, announces that Dassault Falcon will offer the Aircell High Speed Internet system aboard its entire fleet of business jets, including the Falcon 7X, 900LX, 900EX, 900DX, 2000LX and 2000DX. It represents the first full-fleet selection of the system by a business aircraft manufacturer.
The Aircell High Speed Internet system will allow Falcon passengers and crews to use their own Wi-Fi enabled devices, such as laptops, tablet PCs, smartphones and PDAs, to surf the Web, send and receive e-mail with attachments, access their corporate Virtual Private Networks (VPN) and much more – all at full mobile broadband speeds in flight. The Aircell High Speed Internet system is powered by the Aircell(R) Network, which utilizes the latest 3G mobile wireless technology, operating in the continental U.S. over an advanced network of ground stations and Aircell’s exclusive broadband air-to-ground spectrum.
Eric Monsel, Vice President, Programs, Dassault Falcon, said, “In this day and age, it’s seldom we talk to customers without discussing what in-flight connectivity options are available. People want to be as fully connected aboard their aircraft as they are in their office. The Aircell High Speed Internet system is requested frequently because it fulfills that need and no other solution on the market is as fast, light and affordable,” concluded Mr. Monsel.
Falcon customers opting for the service will receive an Aircell Axxess(R) cabin system with an ATG 4000 High Speed Internet unit. This integrated, open architecture communications suite provides high speed Internet service via the Aircell(R) Network, as well as multiple channels of worldwide voice and narrowband data service via the Iridium satellite network. Design work has already begun to incorporate the system into the production line at Dassault Falcon and the first equipped aircraft is scheduled for customer delivery in the fourth quarter of 2010.
John Wade, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Aircell, said, “Today’s selection further underscores the value and uniqueness of the Aircell High Speed Internet system. By providing full-scale connectivity to passengers and crews, the system is vital to enhancing productivity in today’s business climate. We’re very pleased to continue our longstanding relationship with Dassault Falcon and bringing this new technology to their customers”.
The proprietary Aircell High Speed Internet system is the only solution in business aviation that provides a true high speed Internet experience that equals what passengers are accustomed to on the ground, while being small and light enough to fit on virtually any business aircraft. It is up to 56 times faster than a traditional dial-up connection. Aircell’s High Speed Internet unit for business aviation (the ATG 4000) weighs just 11 pounds and its two belly-mounted antennae weigh just 1.25 pounds each.
In addition to its popularity in the business aviation market, the commercial airline version of the service – Gogo(R) Inflight Internet – has been selected by airlines representing more than half of the North American mainline market. The system is flying today with American Airlines, Virgin America, Delta Air Lines and AirTran Airways. It is coming soon to Northwest Airlines, Air Canada, United Airlines and US Airways.
In addition to the exclusive Aircell High Speed Internet system for the continental U.S., Aircell is offering its satellite-based SwiftBroadband solution for global service. Aircell’s SwiftBroadband product is powered by Thrane & Thrane.
About Aircell
Aircell is the world’s leading provider of airborne communications and a single-source, turnkey provider of equipment, service, and technical support. With a global sales and support presence, its products are offered by virtually every fixed- and rotor-wing airframe manufacturer in business aviation, and are installed aboard the world’s four largest fractional ownership fleets. As winner of an exclusive FCC frequency license in 2006, Aircell has built a revolutionary new mobile broadband network for commercial and business aviation. In 2008, the Aircell(R) Network and its inflight portal, known as Gogo(R), revolutionized the commercial airline passenger flight experience by delivering a robust Internet experience at 35,000 feet. The Aircell Network provides airlines with connectivity to operations and a path to enhanced cabin services such as video, audio, television and more. A similar feature set is available to Business aircraft operators. Aircell has facilities in Broomfield, Colorado, and Itasca, Illinois. Aircell’s vision is to give everyone the ability to stay In Touch, In Flight(R). For more information about Aircell, please visit www.aircell.com.