Gogo Inc. (NASDAQ: GOGO) has received Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its Plane Simple Ka-band tail mount terminal, specifically for Gulfstream GV and Gulfstream G550 aircraft. This approval represents a significant step in the rollout of the Plane Simple antenna series.
The STC was developed by Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. at its Savannah, Georgia, headquarters in partnership with Gogo. This new certification adds to the existing Plane Simple Ka-band STCs for Gulfstream G650 and Gulfstream G650ER aircraft.
The terminal features an optimized SD Modem Unit (SMU), integrated with the SD Gateway Router, to provide high-speed broadband to passenger and crew devices. The Ka-band hardware is currently available for installation through authorized Gulfstream and Jet Aviation service centers.
Gogo is also working on an aftermarket STC for Gulfstream G500 and Gulfstream G600 models, with completion anticipated later this year. The Ka-band antenna connects with existing Viasat GX satellites that power the Jet ConneX service and is designed to optimize compatibility with Viasat’s next-generation GX satellites.
This technology will transmit dual polarity signals, potentially more than doubling the data transmission capabilities, thereby enhancing connectivity for activities such as video conferencing and streaming. Chris Moore, Gogo CEO, said, “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.”
Gogo offers cabin connectivity service plans for both in-production and in-service legacy aircraft within the Gulfstream Connectivity Service program.
