Gogo confirms outstanding Plane Simple ESA flight test campaign
Rhea-AI Summary
Gogo has successfully completed flight testing of its Plane Simple Electronically Steered Antenna (ESA), demonstrating exceptional performance across five sorties and ten hours of flight. Working with MAG Aerospace, the tests validated gate-to-gate operations through various maneuvers including taxi, take-off, landing, and challenging flight patterns with bank movements up to 30 degrees.
The full-duplex ESA, developed with Gilat Satellite Networks, maintained stable connections supporting multiple devices simultaneously. Tests confirmed streaming capabilities for Netflix, YouTube 8K, Teams video conferencing, WhatsApp calls, email, and VPN access. The system was mounted using MAG Aerospace's Universal Adapter Plate on a Cessna Caravan.
The antenna, compatible with different radome types, is designed for platforms ranging from single-engine turboprops to executive airliners. Pre-production hardware manufacturing has begun, with production hardware delivery expected later in 2025 to support customer STCs.
Positive
- Successful flight test campaign demonstrates flawless performance of new Plane Simple ESA system
- ESA maintained stable connections supporting multiple high-bandwidth applications simultaneously
- Manufacturing of pre-production hardware already begun, indicating progress toward commercialization
- System requires no engineer intervention for reconnection after power loss, reducing operational costs
- Partnership with Gilat Satellite Networks expands market reach and technological capabilities
Negative
- Production hardware delivery delayed until later in 2025
- Still pending FAA airworthiness testing and final network-type approval
- Limited testing platform (only Cessna Caravan) may not fully represent all aircraft scenarios
News Market Reaction – GOGO
On the day this news was published, GOGO declined 2.57%, reflecting a moderate negative market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Five sorties and ten hours of flight demonstrate commercial potential for versatile antenna.
Broomfield, Colorado, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gogo (NASDAQ: GOGO), a leading global provider of broadband connectivity services for executive and mil/gov aviation, has confirmed the exceptional performance of the Gogo Plane Simple® Electronically Steered Antenna (ESA) following a series of flight tests. Gogo worked with MAG Aerospace, a premier innovator of defense technology, to rigorously test gate-to-gate continuous operations through all planned maneuvers, including standard taxi, take-off, and landing, as well as more challenging racetrack, figure-of-eight patterns, ascent/descent profiles, and hard bank movements up to 30 degrees. Abrupt power loss and muting were also trialed, with systems reconnecting immediately and automatically without the need for engineer intervention.
The full-duplex ESA is being developed in conjunction with Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd (NASDAQ: GILT), a worldwide leader in satellite networking technology, solutions, and services, and is expected to support the demanding mission requirements of VVIP, head-of-state, government, and special missions operators by unlocking the full broadband potential of the Eutelsat OneWeb constellation. During the flight trials, the ESA maintained stable connections with the satellite network to support multi-device connectivity, enabling applications including streaming (Netflix, YouTube 8K), Teams video conferencing and messaging, WhatsApp video calls, email, corporate VPN access, and OneDrive usage simultaneously for multiple passengers.
The test team used MAG Aerospace’s versatile Universal Adapter Plate (UAP), a Federal Aviation Authority-certified turnkey radome system, to mount the ESA to a Cessna Caravan. The modular MAG satellite communications equipment saves customers time and money by enabling rapid upgrading of new antenna technologies into airborne SATCOM solutions without having to undergo costly recertification. Offered as a tailored system, the low-powered ESA is compatible with different radome types and profiles and is being evolved to support platforms ranging from single-engine ISR turboprops and long-range, large-cabin aircraft to executive airliners.
“The system performed flawlessly throughout the test program and did not require remedial intervention at any point, highlighting the capability of this multi-purpose antenna,” explains Chris Moore, CEO, Gogo. “As the third antenna in the Plane Simple series, we’re excited to see it move one step closer to market introduction and commercial service. Its flexible applications and ability to support distinct and varied missions add real value to our growing terminal portfolio as we continue delivering purpose-built, future-proofed connectivity solutions.”
Conducted from Titusville, Florida, the Gilat ESA trial successfully showcased the immense potential for customers to benefit from the antenna’s full-duplex performance, which allows data to be sent and received simultaneously. A full set of trial data was captured for further analysis by Gilat to confirm any final modifications to optimize performance. Manufacturing of pre-production hardware has already begun to support FAA airworthiness testing and final network-type approval activities. Production hardware delivery to support customer STCs is expected later in 2025.
Attachments
- Gogo confirms outstanding Plane Simple ESA flight test campaign.
- The Plane Simple ESA terminal, situated on the top of the Cessna Caravan fuselage, proved its value during its testing
Jane Stanbury Gogo Business Aviation Ltd +1 4389981668 Jane@arenagroupassociates.com
FAQ
What are the key features of Gogo's (GOGO) new Plane Simple ESA antenna tested in 2025?
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When will Gogo (GOGO) begin delivering the Plane Simple ESA to customers?
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