SatixFy to provide phased-array antennas for in-flight connectivity in OneWeb

SatixFy is a UK based phased array antenna specialist who have signed an agreement to develop a new In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) terminal that will work over the OneWeb LEO satellite network as well as on Geostationary (GEO) satellite networks.

SatixFy UK has formed a Joint Venture with Singapore Technology Engineering Ltd (ST Engineering), called JetTalk, to exclusively commercialize the IFC terminal for Commercial Aviation markets.



This design drawing image above shows the flat rectangular transmit (14 GHz) and receive (11 GHz) phased array panels. In the prototype, the transmit array comprises 576 patches and receive array has 1024 elements.

Custom integrated ciruits have been developed and will be used, together with complex computer control to point the antenna beams as required. Phased arrays like this can follow LEO or GEO satellites and compensate for aircraft turning and banking during flight.  When required to hand over to a new satellite multiple beams may be configured to allow switching without service interruption. Multiple beams offer the possibility of simultaneous LEO and GEO operation, providing connectivity from remote regions where no land based gateway teleport exists.

More info: Phased array antenna for in flight Ku band operation