Features

• Standard IP data – currently up to two channels per aircraft:
  • Up to 432kbps per channel over a high-gain antenna
  • Up to 332kbps over an intermediate gain antenna
• IP data streaming on demand at 32, 64, 128kbps – can be combined for higher rates
• Simultaneous voice and high-speed data:
  • Packet data (TCP/IP) and ISDN
  • Circuit-switched voice and VoIP
• Standalone or simultaneous operation with Inmarsat's Aero H/H+ and Swift 64 services
• GPRS and UMTS compatible
• Compliant with ARINC 781
• Support for high-assurance applications, including:
  • NATO secret and NSA Type-1 encryption systems providing remote mobile access to classified networks – STU III/IIb, STE, KIV-7,
  • Brent and HAIPE devices including KG-175 TACLANE,
  • KG-235 Sectéra,
  • KG-250 Altasec, subject to verification testing

Requirements
The following is required to operate SwiftBroadband:

• SwiftBroadband avionics - the satellite modem to access the service
• An aircraft antenna capable of receiving SwiftBroadband and related equipment, eg. Diplexer, LNA, HPA and cabling
• An agreement with a SwiftBroadband
  service provider
  

Aircraft without an Inmarsat system
For new aircraft, airframe manufacturers can advise if SwiftBroadband avionics are an option either as SFE or BFE. For aircraft already in use, SwiftBroadband avionics
manufacturers can advise on recommended equipment and STC status.

Upgrading an existing Inmarsat installation
Users can upgrade to SwiftBroadband, depending on the equipment already installed on the aircraft.

The minimum requirement is a software upgrade, where the aircraft is equipped with a 'SwiftBroadband-ready' installation.

If the avionics onboard the aircraft are either Classic Aero only (eg. Aero H/H+, Aero I), or an older Swift 64 installation, a hardware change to the avionics is most
likely required. Other scenarios may require replacement or upgrading of associated equipment, such as cabling, diplexer, HPA, to be able to install SwiftBroadband.

Consultation with the relevant avionics and antenna manufacturers is necessary to establish which upgrade path is appropriate for each particular aircraft configuration.

Applications
SwiftBroadband supports a wide range of crew and passenger applications:

Crew

• Safety services – Automatic Dependent
  Surveillance (ADS), Controller / Pilot
  Datalink Communications (CPDLC)
• Voice communications
• Electronic Flight Bag (EFB), flight plan, weather and chart updates
• Engine performance monitoring and fault reporting for major systems
• General operational planning
• Crew reporting and general administration

Passengers

• Telephony: in-seat, mobile, VoIP and text messaging
• Email, intranet, internet and instant messaging
• Secure VPN access
• Large file transfer – presentations, graphics, video
• Videoconferencing
• In-flight news updates