ANAHEIM, CA, February 28, 2024 – SKYTRAC Systems Ltd (SKYTRAC), a global leader in satellite communications (satcom) and intelligent connectivity solutions, today announced that it was chosen by Nova Systems, a leading provider of engineering services and technology solutions, to provide mission-critical satcom solutions in support of a series of European Coast Guard programs.
Nova Systems is providing next-generation mission solutions on aircraft operating for multiple Coast Guard programs. This involves Nova Systems providing upgraded mission systems to streamline Search and Rescue (SAR) capabilities for multiple aircraft, including multiple AW189 and AW139 helicopters. The upgraded mission system includes SKYTRAC’s SDL-350 satcom system and MTC-100 control unit, enabling the next-generation satcom capabilities.
The integration, which Nova Systems will complete on behalf of its client, features SKYTRAC’s SDL-350, an Iridium Certus® broadband satcom system, and SKYTRAC’s MTC-100, a touchscreen control unit. This new system provides critical connectivity for the various mission systems aboard AW139 and AW189 aircraft.
“At Nova Systems, our team has a proven record of working to deliver bespoke solutions with our clients. We are always looking for ways to help meet our client’s needs by incorporating leading-edge technology into their systems, and SKYTRAC’s SDL-350 provided us a great opportunity to do so,” said Ronnie Trasler, General Manager of Aerospace Integration at Nova Systems. “The powerful capabilities the SDL-350 enables are a wonderful fit for this mission.”
The SDL-350 is SKYTRAC’s flagship Iridium Certus broadband system, which boasts global satellite connectivity with speeds up to 704 Kbps downlink and 352 Kbps uplink, as well as 4G LTE cellular connectivity. The SDL-350 will utilize these powerful capabilities to provide automated flight following, Iridium Push-to-Talk (PTT), EO/IR video transmission, and Iridium Certus® broadband internet connectivity. This system will provide onboard mission computers, crew devices, and supporting equipment with reliable internet connectivity supporting Coast Guard search and rescue operations.
SKYTRAC’s continued development of the SDL-350 is currently underway, with planned support for real-time flight data monitoring (FDM) and real-time health and usage monitoring (HUMS). These features can wirelessly offload data post-flight and provide real-time in-flight notifications of exceedances or anomalies. Introducing these new capabilities will allow customers to meet the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP) 690 standards for offshore helicopter operations.
“We are proud to be able to support this program and work alongside Nova Systems to provide next-generation mission systems for multiple programs,” said Jeff Sherwood, Director of Business Development. “The SDL-350 provides unmatched performance and mission-critical connectivity for rotorcraft operators involved in Coast Guard and SAR operations.”
For more information on SKYTRAC’s products and capabilities, please visit SKYTRAC at HAI HELI-EXPO Booth 6935 or visit www.skytrac.ca to connect with our team.
About SKYTRAC Systems Ltd.
SKYTRAC, an aerospace leader in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communications and intelligent connectivity, provides innovative technology solutions to some of the world’s largest organizations. SKYTRAC’s work helps aerial firefighters save our forests, allows search and rescue teams to navigate dangerous environments, provides coast guards and militaries with mission-critical capabilities, and helps empower humanitarian missions worldwide. SKYTRAC’s technologies can be found on fixed-wing, rotorcraft, and uncrewed aerial vehicles and in operational control centers on all seven continents. From custom software and hardware development through to STC generation, SKYTRAC offers OEMs, operators, and systems integrators end-to-end products and services. Today, SKYTRAC serves over 800 customers on over 900 airframes and is a leading provider of satellite, cellular, and mission management services for nearly all aerospace sectors. For more information, please visit www.SKYTRAC.ca.
About Nova Systems
As a leading global engineering services and technology solutions company, Nova Systems is a trusted partner in bespoke special mission aircraft solutions. Nova Systems designs, certifies, and deploys innovative, high quality mission system integration and modification solutions. Its 23+ years of experience ensures it maximises operational capability requirements and aircraft availability. Nova System’s highly skilled team use leading edge technology, offer through-life support solutions and world-class program management to provide accelerated capability and a turnkey solution, supporting the life cycle of the system. To learn more, visit www.novasystems.com.
