Gilat Partners With Austria's Diamond Aircraft To Deliver Airborne Broadband Connectivity Via Satellite

Diamond integrates Gilat’s BlackRay 71 (BR71) terminal in its DA42 MPP GUARDIAN aircraft to enable satellite-based homeland security Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations 

Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd., a worldwide leader in satellite networking technology, solutions and services, announced recently it has partnered with Diamond Aircraft of Austria to deliver airborne broadband connectivity via satellite. Diamond designed a special enclosure for Gilat’s BR71 terminal behind the cockpit of Diamond’s DA42 MPP GUARDIAN aircraft. The long-range, twin-engine aircraft was designed for homeland security ISR missions. 

First orders for the Gilat-Diamond Satcom-On-The-Move (SOTM) airborne solution have already been received by government agencies in Latin America and central Asia for homeland security ISR applications. 

“In Diamond Aircraft, we found a dynamic partner who matched our innovative spirit and pursuit of technological excellence,” commented Moshe (Chico) Tamir, Corporate VP and Head of Gilat’s Strategic Initiatives Division. “I have no doubt that together we will deliver the best airborne mobility solution on the market.” 

“Partnering with Gilat is a win-win scenario for both companies,” said Christian Dries, CEO of Diamond Aircraft. “We give Gilat wings and Gilat gives us a complete Beyond-Line-Of-Sight satcom package – and a real competitive edge over other aircraft manufacturers.” 

About Gilat’s BR71

Gilat’s BR71 is an ultra-compact terminal for continuous broadband communications designed for ISR operations associated with homeland security. Its extremely small size and weight make it ideal for use in light aircraft and UAVs. The BR71 is a complete integrated SOTM terminal, including Gilat’s RaySat SR71 antenna, Wavestream BUC and MLT1000A modem. 

About Diamond’s DA42 MPP Guardian

Based on the award-winning DA42 NG, the DA42 MPP (Multi-Purpose Platform) GUARDIAN is the ultimate special mission aircraft with an endurance of up to 12 hours while burning only 6.4 US gallons (24.2 liters) per hour. With a DA42 GUARDIAN, you have a proven and fully certified remote sensing system at your disposal. Powerful and cost-efficient, it delivers accurate results with hawk-eyed precision for ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) missions.  

About Diamond Aircraft

Diamond Aircraft, based in Austria, produces a full range of high quality certified all composite aircraft including the 5-7 seat twin engine DA62, the 4 seat twin engine DA42, the 4 seat single engine DA40, and the 2 seat single engine DA20, as well as type-specific flight training simulators and the DA42 MPP (Multi Purpose Platform), a remote sensing turnkey solution. The company uses proprietary lead-free jet fuel piston engines, made by Austro Engine, for the DA40, DA42 and DA62. Diamond applies modern technologies to achieve high fuel efficiency, low noise, excellent performance and safety. Diamond planes are flown by private pilots, professional

flight training operators and institutions, governmental organizations, and remote sensing companies worldwide. For more information, visit www.diamond-air.at. 

About Gilat

Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd is a leading provider of products and services for satellite-based broadband communications. Gilat develops and markets a wide range of high-performance satellite ground segment equipment and VSATs, with an increasing focus on the consumer and Ka-band market. In addition, Gilat enables mobile SOTM (Satellite-on-the-Move) solutions providing low-profile antennas, next generation solid-state power amplifiers and modems. Gilat also provides managed network and satellite-based services for rural telephony and Internet access via its subsidiaries in Peru and Colombia.  

With over 25 years of experience, and over a million products shipped to more than 90 countries, Gilat has provided enterprises, service providers and operators with efficient and reliable satellite-based connectivity solutions, including cellular backhaul, banking, retail, e-government and rural communication networks. Gilat also enables leading defense, public security and news organizations to implement advanced, on-the-move tactical communications on board their land, air and sea fleets using Gilat's high-performance SOTM solutions. Gilat controlling shareholders are the FIMI Private Equity Funds. For more information, visit www.gilat.com.