Trimec Aviation has received the first Federal Aviation Administration supplemental type certificate for a fuselage-mount installation of the Gogo Galileo HDX antenna. The Texas-based maintenance, repair and overhaul provider obtained approval following installation on a Gulfstream G200 aircraft in collaboration with Gogo.
The approval represents the first STC for the low-earth-orbit antenna awarded by the FAA and the first approval of the fuselage mount installation of the compact electronically steered antenna in North America. The system leverages the Eutelsat OneWeb constellation to provide global high-speed, low-latency broadband connectivity coverage.
“We’re incredibly excited to receive the STC for installing the Gogo Galileo HDX system on the Gulfstream G200 platform,” said Peter Rabadi, vice president of development at Trimec Aviation. “This achievement reflects the dedication of John Holland, general manager, and our highly skilled avionics team in delivering innovative, performance-driven aircraft upgrades.”
According to Trimec Aviation, the retrofit installation requires fitting two replaceable units: the fuselage-mounted electronically steered antenna and the AVANCE SCS platform. The company says this enables upgrade pathways for the future while protecting owners’ investment.
The flat panel antenna adds redundancy to existing networks to boost reliability and provides consistent LEO coverage globally. According to Gogo, G200 operators will have access to connectivity enabling productivity, entertainment and operational capabilities across any route flown.
“Owners of the super-mid-size jet can now optimize our advanced technology solution for best-in-class connectivity through this latest STC,” said Chris Moore, chief executive officer at Gogo. According to Gogo, operators equipping aircraft with the LEO solution will benefit from technical support, customized training, cybersecurity products and future connectivity developments.
Gogo expects to have several more STC approvals confirmed before the end of the year, covering a variety of aircraft types. The Broomfield, Colorado, USA-based company worked closely with Trimec Aviation to obtain the approval, which is available through Trimec Aviation headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas, USA.
