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Press Release: Phasor and Astronics to bring ESA to market for aero

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Phasor, the developer of leading, enterprise-grade electronically-steered antenna (ESA) systems for mobile broadband, today announced a milestone commercial partnership with Astronics AeroSat.

Under the agreement, the two companies will produce scalable, dual-beam ESA-based aeronautical terminals, which will enhance the passenger and crew experience aboard connected business and commercial airlines.

Phasor’s solid-state, software-defined and modular ESA conforms to the size and shape of an aircraft fuselage, which enables commercial airlines and business aviation fleet operators to reduce drag-weight while optimizing bandwidth for superior inflight connectivity (IFC).

Astronics AeroSat will integrate Phasor’s phased-array technology into an agile aviation antenna solution that will operate seamlessly with geostationary (GEO) and non-geosynchronous satellites, such as Low Earth Orbit (LEO) wideband constellations, currently in development. The new antenna will feature dual-beam technology, defined as the simultaneous ability to send and receive signals, with a “make-before-break” capability.

“This key alliance between Astronics AeroSat and Phasor represents the next phase of inflight connectivity capability, combining the breakthrough technology of the Phasor ESA with the proven SATCOM integration and avionics manufacturing acumen of Astronics,” said Matthew Harrah, President of Astronics AeroSat. “We are working our way towards certification and commercialization of this new dual-beam SATCOM terminal/OAE (outside aircraft equipment) and look forward to continuing to work closely with the Phasor team.”

“This strategic agreement brings together the best of both worlds – leading electronically steered antenna innovation coupled with best-in-class avionics and aeronautical SATCOM terminal integration expertise. Together we will deliver next-generation inflight connectivity across multiple airframe-types and satellite communications networks,” said David Helfgott, Phasor CEO.

Phasor’s very low profile (2” high), lightweight, electronically-steerable antenna produces less drag for more efficient aircraft fuel consumption. The solid-state platform has no moving parts, making it more reliable and resilient than mechanically steered antennas. The Phasor ESA conforms to the aircraft fuselage, providing greater antenna active surface and therefore better Rf performance. The dual-beam architecture provides both en route network resilience and interoperability between geosynchronous high throughput satellites (GEO HTS) and non-geosynchronous satellites (Low Earth/Medium Earth Orbits).

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ABOUT PHASOR, INC.

Phasor Inc. is a leading developer of high throughput, enterprise-grade, modular phased array antennas, headquartered in Washington DC, with a technology development subsidiary in London. Phasor’s electronically steerable antennas (ESAs) are based on patented innovations in dynamic beam forming technologies and system architecture. Phasor’s mission is to enable high-speed broadband communications while in-flight, at sea or travelling over land. For more information please visit www.phasorsolutions.com

ABOUT ASTRONICS CORPORATION

Astronics Corporation serves the world’s aerospace, defense and semiconductor industries with proven, innovative technology solutions. Astronics works side-by-side with customers, integrating its array of power, connectivity, lighting, structures, interiors, and test technologies to solve complex challenges. For 50 years, Astronics has delivered creative, customer-focused solutions with exceptional responsiveness. Today, global airframe manufacturers, airlines, military branches, completion centers and Fortune 500 manufacturing organizations rely on the collaborative spirit and innovation of Astronics. For more information on Astronics and its solutions, visit Astronics.com.

Featured image credited to istock.com/JakeOlimb