Airborne geographic data capture operator Fototerra is having a Satcom Direct Plane Simple antenna installed on its Brazil-registered special mission Embraer EMB-110, the first such Ku-band variant installation for the Latin American region.

To complete the installation and generate the relevant supplemental type certificates (STCs), SD is collaborating with dedicated aviation service and consulting company ProAero and Brazil's largest aeronautical certification company and SD reseller Jazz Engenharia Aeronáutica. Jazz is completing the installation and liaising with the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil (ANAC) to generate the STCs. Installation should commence in late August, with redelivery expected towards the end of September 2022 and crew training to follow.

The Plane Simple Ku-band antenna will be located on top of the twin turboprop's fuselage, in the centre of the aircraft, to heighten operating efficiencies.

Fototerra plans to harness the full potential of the advanced technology to transmit data-heavy files generated during flight.

“Reliable broadband data transmission will improve efficiencies, increase productivity and enhance the services we provide to our customers,” says CEO Gulherme Pinho. “We have been waiting for this capability for a long time and are enthusiastic about completing missions with the technology in place.”

With the Plane Simple terminal, powered by the Intelsat FlexExec network, high-resolution images, hyperspectral images, lidar data, radar data and infrared, ultraviolet, thermal and fluorescence techniques will transmit in real-time directly to Fototerra servers, customers and authorities as needed. Fototerra is also optimising the complete Satcom Direct ecosystem of products and services, as well as benefitting from sourcing its connectivity solutions and support from a single supplier.

“The advanced antenna system will replace current micro-wave technology, which Fototerra uses to monitor the maritime coast on behalf of the oil and gas industry. The existing technology requires Fototerra to stay near the coastline to communicate images effectively. Once we've installed the terminal, this limitation will be removed. We are excited to be the first company to undertake this type of installation on behalf of SD. We know it will streamline Fototerra operations and showcase the opportunities for similar aircraft types,” says Jazz sales director Felipe Nardi.

The inaugural installation in South America reflects the growing appetite for high-speed broadband services from owners of multiple aircraft types needing to perform diverse missions.

“Our aim with SD Plane Simple is to increase access to consistent, reliable, global connectivity solutions in a simplified format at cost-effective rates. This installation is a perfect example of how, by collaborating with like-minded companies Pro Aero and Jazz, we can break into new territory regarding aircraft data transmission,” says SD Brazil managing director Ewerton Libanio. “Jazz has completed more than 800 projects and modified more than 1,000 aircraft since launch in 2009, and Pro Aero specialises in delivering solutions to aviation stakeholders that improve efficiency and operations. This collective knowledge and extensive experience positions them as the perfect partners for us to work with for this and future projects.”

Designed exclusively for business aviation, the Plane Simple terminal and Intelsat FlexExec network require just two-line replaceable units, the SD Modem Unit and the SD Plane Simple Antenna, to activate data transmission. The Plane Simple antenna series should enhance the customer connectivity experience across the region.

Libanio adds: “Owners of mid to large size cabin aircraft want to emulate the on-the-ground connectivity experience in the air, and we are already receiving significant interest. Our special mission customers in the environmental, surveillance and military sectors also see the potential for improved connectivity."