Satcom Direct has received multi-model supplemental type certificate approval from the FAA for its Plane Simple Ku-band tail-mounted antenna system, which enables the system to be installed on Gulfstream G550, G450, GV, and GIV large-cabin twinjets. The Melbourne, Florida-based company first fitted the system aboard its G550 with the assistance of Gulfstream’s Appleton, Wisconsin service center. The two-line-replaceable-unit system requires minimal installation between the antenna and SD modem unit.

Separately, EASA has released an STC for the system for several large-cabin Bombardier jets, including the Global 5000, 6000, Express, and Express XRS. Alamo Engineering generated the first EASA STC for Global airframes through a collaboration with SD. The system has already been installed on a privately owned Global Express by ACC Columbia Jet Service at its Hanover, Germany MRO.

Satcom Direct founder and CEO Jim Jensen said the system completes the "connectivity puzzle" with its existing software, ground infrastructure, and hardware. “This is a monumental day for SD demonstrating we have taken our initial concept of a simplified connectivity hardware system that can be easily installed, maintained, and transitioned, and made it a reality,” he added. “We announced we would do it just over two years ago and we have stuck to our plan as our hardware team worked with our production partner QEST to create a new class of antenna hardware.”