Satcom Direct has designed and developed the compact SD LTE Hub to provide connectivity for helicopters, turboprops and light and midsize business jets. The router, which will be officially launched in less than two weeks at NBAA 2017, has already received Parts Manufacturer Approval from the FAA.

According to Satcom Direct, the router will have the smallest form factor on the market while still supporting the latest cellular, Wi-Fi and satellite technology. Though it measures 6.7 x 5.8 x 1 inch and weighs just 1.6 pounds, the SD LTE Hub incorporates an 802.11ac Wi-Fi access point that supports data transfer rates of up to 867 Mbps in the cabin.

On the ground, high-speed connectivity is delivered to the aircraft through LTE cellular data; in the air, the router connects with the aircraft’s air-to-ground network or satcom system. The router is compatible with L-, Ku- and Ka-band satellite networks.

In addition, the SD LTE Hub interfaces with SD Pro, the digital dashboard that provides real-time information to support and manage flight operations and maintenance. ARINC 429 inputs also enable on-screen moving maps.

For business aircraft where data access for Internet and mobile device utilization is essential, high-speed data will reduce buffering and latency during Internet file transfers, improved wireless broadband will make video streaming and gaming possible and the constant connection between networks will support continuous voice and texting capabilities.

“The introduction of the SD LTE Hub to the market means we can bring the office-in-the-sky concept to the smaller cabin through improved data speeds, delivered by the compact, but powerful unit," said Satcom Direct director of hardware Jason Sperry. "We know operators and private owners of the smaller cabins want access to the same connectivity options as the large jets, and anticipate this will fill a growing need in the market."

Satcom Direct's new LTE Hub extends the SD router family, which already includes the Satcom Direct Router SDR and SDR Gateway (previously known as the Optelity Pro from TrueNorth, which Satcom Direct acquired last year), both of which provide nose-to-tail connectivity for midsize to large-cabin business jets. The LTE Hub can also be used to augment these routers to eliminate Wi-Fi coverage gaps aboard larger jets.