Melbourne, Florida | June 11, 2019–Satcom Direct, the business aviation solutions provider, has completed the Bravo phase of expansion of its SD Data Center. The second stage of a four-part expansion has doubled the existing footprint to 10,000 square feet at the Melbourne, Florida headquarters. The extended facility has added capacity for a further 120+ server cabinets providing secure data storage for aviation and terrestrial clients of all sizes. As planned, the Bravo phase was initiated when the existing data center was close to reaching targeted capacity goals.

The Bravo phase mirrors the existing facility providing category five hurricane-proof construction and adheres to the same high compliance standards already in place. The SD Data Center enables the creation of private networks for clients when connected to SD hardware, software and satellite connectivity. Through the infrastructure available via the SD Data Center, existing compliance and security protocols can be applied to the aircraft network like any other corporate location. The installation of the infrastructure is already underway as customer server cages and cabinets are in process. Phase three expansion, Charlie, is now in the planning stage and will further support customized solutions for aviation clients when completed.

“The SD Data Center provides efficient and secure transport of data across a self-owned, fully redundant and highly-scalable network. It serves our own family of companies and allows us to provide robust cybersecurity monitoring and protection. The latest figures collated from our exsiting threat monitoring subscribers show that this is is becoming more and more necessary,” says Chris Moore, President Business Aviation, about the expansion. “We can now further leverage the capabilities of our Data Center to support current and future internal and customer-facing services which will result in more data management options for our aviation clients.”

SD hosted an open house on 22 May to mark the second phase completion. Attended by civic leaders, government officials, clients and employees, SD invited guests to tour the upgraded facility and discuss the importance of data security to business continuity.

Orlando, USA | October 15, 2018–

SD Avionics, the hardware manufacturing division of Satcom Direct, has partnered with QEST Quantenelektronische Systeme GmbH, a worldwide market leader in innovative aeronautical antennas, to develop a new flat panel connectivity antenna for business and military aviation. The electronically steered phased-array antenna system aims to be the smallest and most efficient form factor, bringing high speed connectivity to a wider range of aircraft. SD will be the exclusive provider of this antenna to business aviation, military and government markets globally. Compatible satellite network constellations will be announced next year.

Purpose fit for small to mid-size jets, where a tail-mounted antenna solution is not an option, the lightweight, low-profile design will bring high-speed connectivity to a wide range of airframes. Scalable and modular, the flat panel system conforms to the size and shape requirements of an individual aircraft fuselage without bringing excessive weight or power requirements.

SD Avionics is working with aircraft OEMs on product specification and development, targeting product launch in late 2020. Once available, the antenna system will become part of SD Xperience, bringing future-proof technology compatible with LEO and GEO satellite networks operating in multiple frequency bands to the portfolio.

“We are committed to providing global connectivity solutions across the business aviation sector. The introduction of this flat panel antenna will enable an even greater selection of connectivity options for a wider range of platforms around the world. Our investment means more passengers, crew, and flight departments will access reliable, secure connectivity to support their day-to-day operations,” said Jim Jensen, Founder and CEO of SD.

“Partnering with SD has enabled a dynamic development approach combining technical ingenuity with years of business aviation experience to help formulate a product that we know the market will welcome. We wanted to create technology to substantially improve connectivity access within the General Aviation market place and working with Satcom Direct has enabled us to do this.  We know the segment will benefit as a result,” said Dr. Joerg Oppenlaender, Chief Technology Officer of QEST.

São Paulo | August 21, 2018– Satcom Direct Brazil, the regional headquarters for business aviation connectivity, software and hardware provider SD, appointed São Paulo-based Avionics Services as the first SD hardware dealer and installer in Latin America during LABACE 2018. The deal gives Latin American business jet owners and operators a single, local, source for purchasing, installing and supporting SD equipment for executive aircraft and rotary machines. SD customers operating in and around Latin America also benefit from enhanced customer support as immediate access to full SD hardware maintenance and installation expertise is now available through Avionics Services.

Latin America is a growing market for SD, and as the range of products and services continues to expand the need for local installation partners and dealers is significant. “It is essential for our clients that they can easily call on reliable, responsive, experienced technicians, that literally speak their language,” said SD Brazil Managing Director, Ewerton Libaino. “We have customers using and needing a range of connectivity, from basic data link services through to Inmarsat’s high-speed Jet ConneX technology, and we want to ensure a seamless purchasing, installation and maintenance experience for them. Avionics Services provides us with that solution.”

“It really is a milestone for us to work with SD to provide improved business aviation connectivity options in Latin America. It heralds a new era as regional owners and operators will now have the confidence to install these complex systems, knowing they have a local business with extensive avionics experience to support them. We are excited for the possibilities,” says João Vernini Filho, Sales and Marketing Director, Avionics Services.

During LABACE the SD team promoted the new arrangement, along with its full product and service portfolio including the latest enhancements to its digital flight operations platform SD Pro®.  A new Advanced Connectivity module enables users to generate a predictive connectivity map for each flight which graphically highlights network coverage, and any associated issues along the route.  The feature aims to prevent loss of connectivity as it highlights dead zones and regional areas where data may be at threat from intrusion.

The latest SD Pro Threat Monitoring module upgrade gives flight departments more visibility into the types of threats identified, as well as the ability to view and sort threats by category. Data analysis enables flight departments to make better informed connectivity decisions about user behaviors and security policies and stay ahead of any potential vulnerabilities. Combined with SD hardware, SD Pro gives users more insight and control over onboard connectivity and how it is functioning.

“As connectivity becomes increasingly important we are innovating and adding new products to our suite of services. Our enhanced SD Pro technology, the signing of the new Avionics Services agreement, and our growing local-language training portfolio adds real value for our local customers and represents a strengthening SD presence in the region. It exemplifies our commitment to giving the best customer connectivity experience in Latin America,”  concludes Libaino.

Melbourne, FL | October 17, 2016– This official approval by the FAA marks SD as an authorized manufacturer for avionics, as well as an authorized maintenance repair and overhaul center for all SD avionics.

The certification was awarded for its development of the SD WiFi Hub, the standalone router and WiFi solution that enables onboard voice and data communications. Over the last five months, the associated processes, manufacturing quality manuals, and the physical setup at their World Headquarters location in Melbourne, FL, have been audited by the Orlando Manufacturing & Inspection District Office (MIDO), in order to gain the approval.

The PMA certification will allow SD to use Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) to quickly obtain approvals on future hardware developments.

“This milestone accomplishment demonstrates our ongoing commitment to aerospace manufacturing, and our continued efforts to expand our capabilities as a technology innovator,” said Ken Bantoft, SD Chief Technology Officer.