Chad is the editor of AINalerts, AIN's daily business aviation newsletter, and is also the news editor at AIN Media Group.&nbsp;He has been writing about aviation, with an emphasis on business aviation, since 1994. Chad started his writing career at The Avion,&nbsp;the&nbsp;student newspaper at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, serving as editor-in-chief before graduating with a bachelor's in aeronautical science. After a stint as managing editor at Professional Pilot&nbsp;magazine, he joined&nbsp;AIN in late 1998. Chad holds a commercial pilot certificated with instrument and multi-engine ratings, and he also is a CFI/CFII. He lives and works from his home in Venice, Florida.

Online Editor

Chad Trautvetter

Gogo Business Aviation is a provider of in-flight broadband Internet service and other connectivity services for business aircraft.

SD Government, Gogo’s division that provides satellite communications to governments around the globe, has received U.S. Air Force Air Mobility Command T-1 certification for a roll-on/roll-off Tactical Removeable Airborne Satellite Communications (TRASC) system for Lockheed Martin C-130H and -J transports. There are some 1,000 C-130H/Js in service, with half of these in U.S. military fleets.
This certification initially includes a Gogo Plane Simple Ku-band terminal but will expand to offer a Plane Simple Ka-band terminal and other network compatibilities. The TRASC system includes a hatch-mounted satellite antenna, an antenna controller, a router, and an executive communications kit. Electromagnetic interference/electromagnetic compatibility testing has been completed to both Block 6 and 8 standards on the C-130H/J.
The TRASC housing is optimized for installation within the C-130’s multipurpose hatch system in less than 30 minutes, enabling immediate plug-and-play global broadband capability. The system’s ease of installation and removal means two to three TRASC units can be shared among seven to eight C-130H/Js, according to Gogo senior v-p of government sales Ben Massey.
T-1 approval paves the way for sister commands and partner nations—including Japan, Australia, and New Zealand—to implement the roll-on/roll-off satcom system.
TRASC uses geostationary satellites—the Intelsat network for Ku-band and Viasat for Ka-band—to provide secure high-speed airborne connectivity that permits videoconferencing and other communications. For example, Massey said, special forces can use TRASC to get briefings en route to the mission.
“We are proud to deliver a platform that gives military forces much-needed situational awareness to support global command and control decisions," said SD Government executive v-p Hayden Olson. "It also makes the C-130 much more resilient and consistently connected during training and operational missions. This capability instantaneously brings all C-130 variants into the modern age of high-throughput beyond-line-of-sight communications.”
According to Massey, the company is exploring a similar roll-on/roll-off satcom system for the Airbus A400M. This military transport came equipped with an Inmarsat Swift64 satcom, but that satellite network reached the end of its life in December 2020, leaving these aircraft without connectivity.
In addition, SD Government is touting its OneWeb-based Galileo low-earth-orbit satellite-based connectivity system for military and special-mission aircraft. Massy said Galileo is ideal for special-mission Cessna Caravans, but noted that the unit can fit aircraft of all sizes.

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

USAF Picks Gogo’s SD Government for C-130J/J Satcom Solution

Unit can be installed in the airplane’s emergency hatch in about 30 minutes

Gogo's SD Government division received U.S. Air Force Air Mobility Command T-1 certification for a roll-on/roll-off satcom system for C-130H and -J transports.

USAF Picks Gogo’s SD Government for C-130J/J Satcom

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charles Alcock

News about commercial airlines, including regulations, aircraft orders, safety, acquisitions, and mergers.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Thales and JPA Design contributed to the new 787 interiors 

Air India Upgrades Dreamliner Cabins and IFE Offering

Matt Thurber

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Company specializes in preowned aircraft sales and refurbishment 

‘Flurry of Activity’ Propels SmartJets into New Year

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Device can accommodate up to 8.5 pounds and windows from 13 to 19.5 inches

Sporty’s Adds Flight Gear Starlink Mini Mounting System

System adds high-fidelity sound tuned to each aircraft

Yingling Achieves 100th Alto GV/G550 Installation

Amy Wilder

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

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In this article

Lockheed Martin

Gogo

More In Cabin Interior and Electronics

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Company specializes in preowned aircraft sales and refurbishment

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Device can accommodate up to 8.5 pounds and windows from 13 to 19.5 inches

Yingling Achieves 100th Alto GV/G550 Installation

System adds high-fidelity sound tuned to each aircraft

FlyExclusive Brings Starlink Connectivity to Fleet

Installations begin with the company’s Challenger 350 fleet

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FAA certification expands LEO satcom connectivity options

With Capabilities Confirmed, Gogo Launches 5G Network

More than 30 flight test hours proved out the system

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