OneWeb and GDC Advanced Technology sign joint development agreement
The new terminal based on technology developed by Ball Aerospace, has undergone early lab and ground testing at the GDC facilities in Fort Worth, Texas
OneWeb has signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) with GDC Advanced Technology.
The agreement with the aircraft modification and technology company kickstarts the development of a new inflight connectivity terminal that will enable airlines to connect their aircraft, passengers, and crew over OneWeb’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communication network.
The new terminal based on technology developed by Ball Aerospace, has undergone early lab and ground testing at the GDC facilities in Fort Worth, Texas, and will deliver OneWeb’s LEO constellation to airlines and their passengers starting in 2023.
“This agreement with GDC Advanced Technology represents a major milestone for OneWeb as we accelerate our plans to bring globally consistent and game-changing inflight connectivity to aviation users everywhere — regardless of the size of aircraft they fly on.” said Ben Griffin, Vice President of Mobility at OneWeb.
The terminals have been engineered to allow airlines to deploy a hybrid LEO/GEO connectivity solution.
“OneWeb expects this to be a key differentiator as airlines initially embrace and become confident in the benefits and performance of their new LEO technologies,” said a November 30 press release.
“We were thrilled by the performance of the terminal during ground testing earlier this year. The terminal was able to unlock the full capabilities of the OneWeb network. We are on track to have the system airborne in early 2022 and continue the path to certification, implementation, and ultimately to bring this game-changing technology to our aviation customers and their passengers in 2023,” said Tracy Trent, President, GDC Advanced Technology.
