The FAA has issued a supplemental type certificate (STC) for installation of Gogo’s Plane Simple Ka-band satcom terminal on Gulfstream Vs and G550. The system includes a tail-mount antenna, SD modem unit, and SD router. It runs on Viasat’s GX satellite network but is also compatible with Viasat’s next-generation GX satellites.

Gulfstream and Gogo collaborated on the STC, which Gulfstream developed. Authorized Gulfstream and Jet Aviation service centers can install the Ka-band satcom system, which is also approved on G650 models. An STC for the G500 and G600 is expected to be completed by year-end.

While the Plane Simple Ka-band terminal accesses Viasat’s Jet ConneX high-speed broadband service on the existing GX satellite network, the system is ready for Viasat’s next-generation GX satellites. “These will transmit dual-polarity signals, more than doubling the volume of data transmitted and received to deliver an enhanced connectivity experience supporting video conferences, streaming, and increased network priority for business aviation users,” according to Gogo.

“The latest STC in our growing portfolio gives Gulfstream GV and G550 owners and operators access to more speed, more data, and more service plan flexibility and facilitates dual-dissimilar options for optimized global connectivity through our multi-orbit, multi-band strategy,” said Gogo CEO Chris Moore. “At the same time, forward compatibility with Viasat’s next-generation GX satellites helps operators to future-proof their connectivity fit.”