EMS Technologies Launches Ku-Band Broadband Antenna System For In-Flight Connectivity

Long Beach, CA – EMS Technologies, Inc. recently announced the launch of the Aura Ku-band family of antenna systems for in-flight entertainment and connectivity at the World Airline Entertainment Association (WAEA) Annual Conference & Exhibition. The new Aura antenna systems provide consistent, high-quality worldwide broadband services. The result is airline passengers being able to watch satellite direct TV programming, surf the Internet, check email from PDA devices, as well as do VoIP calling from their mobile phones while in flight where permitted.

Today's Ku-band product announcement underscores EMS as a leading "connectivity company," offering a broad range of satellite-based airborne connectivity systems, from Ku-Band to L-Band to Iridium-based systems.

"No other company is better positioned to provide reliable and proven solutions for commercial in-flight connectivity systems," says Paul Domorski, president and CEO of EMS Technologies. "Our experience in aero connectivity, both in defense and commercial applications, enables us to use our deep heritage in advanced technology and proven processes for our customers."

The Aura family of antenna systems offers flexibility in size, weight, profile and performance specifications to meet the needs of different business models for private and commercial aircraft. EMS's two-way Ku-broadband products include:

• The Aura 1P-A antenna system, which comes with a single antenna panel to offer full broadband connectivity in a lightweight, low-profile package to address the needs of regional carriers.
• The Aura 1P-B antenna system, which is also a single-panel system, but with a different panel configuration to offer greater performance for regional and worldwide carriers.
• The Aura 3P antenna system, which is a larger three-panel antenna system that offers optimized transmission and reception bit rates for regional and worldwide carriers. It is fully-developed, demonstrated and available now.

In addition to these systems for transmit/receive connectivity, EMS also offers the Aura DBS 2.5 and DBS 3.0 systems for TV receive-only use with satellite direct TV broadcast systems. EMS has more than six million hours of flight time and more than 250 units in active flight. The systems enable passengers to access 150 video channels from their seatbacks.

For the two-way Ku-broadband systems, EMS has teamed with Starling Advanced Communications Ltd. on key development and production of the core antenna technology. EMS developed the Aura antenna system product line using Starling's CoMPA (Coherent Multi-Panel) flat panel technology, which provides reliable connectivity and worldwide coverage at unsurpassed speeds and quality. For EMS's DBS products, the Company uses its patented slot-array technology. The systems utilize EMS's leading composite positioner technology for less weight in the pointing-control function, allowing EMS to focus on increased RF performance. Both product sets also use EMS's US-based ISO, AS9100B and FAA-certified manufacturing and repair facility.

David Smith, vice president and general manager of EMS Defense & Space Systems, commented, "The Aura antenna system establishes a clear path for IFE profitability supporting multiple business models and flexible service options for both commercial airlines and private business jets. There is an Aura antenna system for every business case," he said.

SOURCE: EMS Technologies, Inc.