After adding high-speed Internet capability late last year to the optional upgrade menu in a number of its large-cabin airplanes, Gulfstream is now offering similar hardware and service options to operators of the super-midsize G200.

The airframe manufacturer has gained an STC for its new High-Speed Data System (HSDS) in the G200 and is offering the system for retrofit in existing airplanes and as an option in new airplanes. Unlike the Broad Band Multi-Link (BBML) system in the bigger Gulfstream jets, which connects to the Internet through a Ku-band satellite, HSDS uses the Swift64 link offered by satcom specialist Inmarsat. Hardware for the setup includes the Thrane & Thrane A/S Aero-HSD+ satcom system and Chelton HGA-7000 antenna. With HSDS two Swift64 channels can be bonded for a combined connection speed of as high as 128 kbps, Gulfstream said.