Gogo confirms outstanding Plane Simple ESA flight test campaign
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.
Gogo ha completato con successo i test di volo della sua Plane Simple Electronically Steered Antenna (ESA), dimostrando prestazioni eccezionali in cinque missioni e dieci ore di volo. In collaborazione con MAG Aerospace, i test hanno convalidato operazioni da porta a porta attraverso varie manovre, inclusi taxi, decollo, atterraggio e complessi schemi di volo con inclinazioni fino a 30 gradi.
L'ESA full-duplex, sviluppata insieme a Gilat Satellite Networks, ha mantenuto connessioni stabili supportando contemporaneamente più dispositivi. I test hanno confermato la capacità di streaming per Netflix, YouTube 8K, videoconferenze Teams, chiamate WhatsApp, email e accesso VPN. Il sistema è stato installato utilizzando la Universal Adapter Plate di MAG Aerospace su un Cessna Caravan.
L'antenna, compatibile con diversi tipi di radome, è progettata per piattaforme che vanno dai turboelica monomotore agli aerei executive. La produzione dell'hardware pre-serie è già iniziata, con la consegna dell'hardware di produzione prevista entro la fine del 2025 per supportare le STC dei clienti.
Gogo ha completado con éxito las pruebas de vuelo de su Plane Simple Electronically Steered Antenna (ESA), demostrando un rendimiento excepcional en cinco vuelos y diez horas de vuelo. En colaboración con MAG Aerospace, las pruebas validaron operaciones puerta a puerta mediante diversas maniobras, incluyendo rodaje, despegue, aterrizaje y patrones de vuelo desafiantes con inclinaciones de hasta 30 grados.
La ESA full-duplex, desarrollada con Gilat Satellite Networks, mantuvo conexiones estables soportando múltiples dispositivos simultáneamente. Las pruebas confirmaron la capacidad de streaming para Netflix, YouTube 8K, videoconferencias de Teams, llamadas de WhatsApp, correo electrónico y acceso VPN. El sistema se montó usando la Universal Adapter Plate de MAG Aerospace en un Cessna Caravan.
La antena, compatible con diferentes tipos de radome, está diseñada para plataformas que van desde turbohélices monomotor hasta aviones ejecutivos. La fabricación del hardware preproducción ha comenzado, con la entrega del hardware de producción prevista para finales de 2025 para apoyar las STC de los clientes.
Gogo는 Plane Simple Electronically Steered Antenna (ESA)의 비행 테스트를 성공적으로 완료했으며, 다섯 차례의 비행과 10시간의 비행 동안 뛰어난 성능을 입증했습니다. MAG Aerospace와 협력하여, 택시, 이륙, 착륙 및 최대 30도 기울기 비행 패턴 등 다양한 기동을 포함한 게이트 투 게이트 운용을 검증했습니다.
Gilat Satellite Networks와 공동 개발한 전이중 ESA는 여러 장치를 동시에 지원하며 안정적인 연결을 유지했습니다. 테스트 결과 Netflix, YouTube 8K, Teams 화상회의, WhatsApp 통화, 이메일 및 VPN 접속 스트리밍이 확인되었습니다. 이 시스템은 MAG Aerospace의 Universal Adapter Plate를 사용하여 Cessna Caravan에 장착되었습니다.
이 안테나는 다양한 라돔 유형과 호환되며, 단일 엔진 터보프롭부터 비즈니스 제트기까지 다양한 플랫폼용으로 설계되었습니다. 사전 생산 하드웨어 제조가 시작되었으며, 고객 STC 지원을 위해 2025년 말까지 생산 하드웨어 납품이 예정되어 있습니다.
Gogo a réussi les essais en vol de sa Plane Simple Electronically Steered Antenna (ESA), démontrant des performances exceptionnelles lors de cinq sorties et dix heures de vol. En collaboration avec MAG Aerospace, les tests ont validé des opérations de porte à porte à travers diverses manœuvres, y compris le roulage, le décollage, l’atterrissage et des schémas de vol complexes avec des inclinaisons allant jusqu’à 30 degrés.
L’ESA full duplex, développée avec Gilat Satellite Networks, a maintenu des connexions stables supportant plusieurs appareils simultanément. Les tests ont confirmé la capacité de streaming pour Netflix, YouTube 8K, les vidéoconférences Teams, les appels WhatsApp, les emails et l’accès VPN. Le système a été monté à l’aide de la Universal Adapter Plate de MAG Aerospace sur un Cessna Caravan.
L’antenne, compatible avec différents types de radomes, est conçue pour des plateformes allant des turbopropulseurs monomoteurs aux avions d’affaires. La fabrication du matériel pré-production a commencé, avec une livraison prévue du matériel de production d’ici fin 2025 pour soutenir les STC clients.
Gogo hat erfolgreich Flugtests seiner Plane Simple Electronically Steered Antenna (ESA) abgeschlossen und dabei herausragende Leistungen über fünf Einsätze und zehn Flugstunden gezeigt. In Zusammenarbeit mit MAG Aerospace wurden Gate-to-Gate-Operationen durch verschiedene Manöver wie Rollen, Start, Landung und anspruchsvolle Flugmuster mit Neigungen bis zu 30 Grad validiert.
Die voll-duplex ESA, entwickelt mit Gilat Satellite Networks, hielt stabile Verbindungen aufrecht und unterstützte gleichzeitig mehrere Geräte. Die Tests bestätigten Streaming-Fähigkeiten für Netflix, YouTube 8K, Teams-Videokonferenzen, WhatsApp-Anrufe, E-Mail und VPN-Zugang. Das System wurde mit der Universal Adapter Plate von MAG Aerospace auf einer Cessna Caravan montiert.
Die Antenne, kompatibel mit verschiedenen Radomtypen, ist für Plattformen von einmotorigen Turboprops bis hin zu Executive-Jets ausgelegt. Die Fertigung der Vorserien-Hardware hat begonnen, die Lieferung der Serienhardware ist für Ende 2025 geplant, um Kunden-STCs zu unterstützen.
- 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
- 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
Insights
Gogo's successful ESA flight testing advances its connectivity portfolio toward 2025 commercialization, targeting high-value VVIP and government markets.
Gogo's successful flight test campaign for its Plane Simple Electronically Steered Antenna (ESA) represents a significant step in expanding the company's aviation connectivity portfolio. The testing—encompassing five sorties and ten hours of flight time—demonstrated robust performance across a comprehensive range of flight conditions, including gate-to-gate operations through standard maneuvers and more challenging scenarios with bank angles up to 30 degrees.
The technical performance metrics are particularly noteworthy. The full-duplex ESA maintained stable satellite network connections throughout testing, supporting simultaneous multi-device usage across high-bandwidth applications like 8K video streaming, video conferencing, and corporate VPN access. The system's resilience during abrupt power loss tests—reconnecting automatically without engineer intervention—demonstrates robust fault tolerance essential for aviation applications.
Developed in partnership with Gilat Satellite Networks, this antenna represents the third entry in Gogo's Plane Simple series. Its modular, low-powered design offers compatibility with various radome types and aircraft platforms from single-engine turboprops to executive airliners, creating versatile implementation options. The antenna's capability to unlock the full potential of the Eutelsat OneWeb constellation positions it well for specialized market segments.
The testing milestone triggers manufacturing of pre-production hardware for FAA airworthiness certification. With production hardware delivery expected later in 2025, Gogo appears on track with its product development roadmap, though commercial deployment still requires regulatory approvals and customer STCs. This successful validation positions Gogo to potentially strengthen its offering in the high-value VVIP, government, and special missions segments.
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
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