General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems will supply a new Boeing Tri-band communications radome to provide lower cost, greater flexibility and more passenger data service options.
The radome is a combination of a ‘radar’ and ‘dome’ which will support Ku and K/Ka wideband commercial and military satellite communications including in-flight connectivity such as use of cell phones, internet access via Wi-Fi connectivity and live satellite television broadcasts. The radome is a weatherproof structure that protects an airplane’s antenna to enable reliable satellite communications. It is approximately the size of a car-top luggage carrier and has a maximum weight of 36.28kg. It is designed for use with antennas from multiple manufacturers and with data services from all current providers.
The Tri-band radome can be mounted on new (as a line fit option on Boeing 737s, 747s, 777s and 787 Dreamliners) and existing aircraft in the fourth quarter of 2015. It will meet all FAA environmental and safety requirements, including the recently revised FAA regulations for bird strike survivability.
