ThinKom Introduces ThinAir® GT, an Upgraded and Expanded Line of Aero Antennas for Special Missions

Extended antenna performance across multiple form factors and frequency bands increases flexibility for reliable, efficient communications on a range of aircraft types

ThinKom Solutions, Inc. stands ready to meet the ever-evolving needs of satellite communications with its ThinAir® GT line of airborne solutions for government customers. Engineered to operate in the most demanding EMI, EMC, and EMP environments, ThinAir GT unlocks a new level of capabilities, while maintaining ThinKom’s proven reliability.

The ThinAir GT 2517 and GT 1717 Ka-band systems are approved on operational commercial and government networks, including LEO, MEO, GEO, and HEO constellations. This includes proven compatibility with the expanded frequency ranges of the WGS and SDA constellations. Other GT product variants operate in Ku-, K-, Ka-, and Q-band frequencies.

“Governments are rapidly adopting a multi-constellation, multi-orbit communications profile, and our upgraded ThinAir GT product line is the perfect match,” explains Bill Milroy, ThinKom’s chief technology officer and co-founder. “We’re proud of our GT solutions, which deliver the best performance today while engineered to work with the next generation of satellite networks. This future-proof architecture ensures governments can easily access the most resilient and secure networks wherever they need to operate around the globe.”

Modern networks require operation in expanded frequency ranges, larger channel sizes, and higher instantaneous bandwidth (IBW). ThinAir GT supports these demands for hopping and protected waveforms, critical to the US DOD Joint All-Domain Command and Control mission. The GT line includes solutions delivering up to 1 to 2 GHz IBW (K- and Q-band, respectively) to enable AEHF operation. All GT systems include enhanced emission controls for robust anti-jam capabilities, including low probability of intercept/detection.

ThinAir GT terminals have demonstrated throughput up to 370/110 Mbps in live testing. The company anticipates achieving speeds exceeding 800/200 Mbps on select networks as new constellations are fully activated.

In addition to fuselage-mount offerings, ThinKom offers smaller terminal options for UAVs, and cavity-mount versions. These conformal designs deliver full system performance while mounted below the fuselage surface, eliminating incremental drag and obscuring the presence of satcom functionality on the aircraft.

The ThinAir GT line builds on ThinKom’s two decades of innovation to deliver efficient performance across multiple frequency bands. Incorporating the company’s patented, proven VICTS technology, ThinAir GT provides the best performance on the market while maintaining an optimal SWaP profile.

The company also recently completed an analysis showing significantly lower drag from its contoured radome designs compared to flat panel ESA technology. This supports lower fuel burn and extended time on station for critical missions. US Government aircraft have been flying with ThinAir systems on board since 2018. ThinAir antennas boast proven reliability, with a measured MTBF in excess of 50,000 hours based on more than 40 million accrued operational hours to date.

ThinKom will be exhibiting at the SATELLITE Conference and Exhibition in Washington, D.C. from March 18-21, 2024 (booth #2333). Click here to schedule a meeting.