Honeywell has launched its newest satellite communications system called the Aspire 400. While the system will provides aircraft flight crews and passengers with access to worldwide voice and data connectivity, pilots will have access to critical cockpit safety services. The compact and lightweight system for business jets and commercial or military aircraft provides connectivity to both the cockpit and the cabin simultaneously.

“As pilot and passenger demand for data and services continues to grow, our latest satellite communications system delivers superior call quality, videoconferencing and the ability to stream content in a single system. Plus, that system is more than 100 pounds lighter than comparable products,” said Mark Goodman, product director, Honeywell aerospace.

The first release of the Aspire 400 satellite communication system includes the operator's choice of either an intermediate-gain or a high-gain antenna. The system includes a satellite data unit, a configuration module, a high-power amplifier, and a diplexer/low noise amplifier.

The Aspire 400 provides connectivity to pilots and passengers alike through two independent SwiftBroadband channels and Inmarsat's I-4 network. Using Inmarsat's SwiftBroadband–Safety service, pilots have access to a separate data channel for essential safety communications in the cockpit – like text messaging with air traffic control or in-flight tracking – as well as electronic flight bag applications. Passengers can use the second channel for SwiftBroadband voice and data connectivity in the cabin.

Aspire 400 is the newest addition to Honeywell's line of Aspire satellite communications systems. Company said that two different Aspire satcom systems can be installed on the same aircraft in “dual satcom” mode. For example, the Aspire 400 system can be installed together with Honeywell's new Aspire 350 system to provide redundancy over multiple networks.