Fargo Jet Center (FJC), a provider of aviation services and special mission aircraft modifications, and Stellar Blu Solutions (Stellar Blu), a leader in next-generation satellite communications technology, have announced a strategic partnership aimed at revolutionizing special mission aircraft connectivity capabilities.
This collaboration establishes a cutting-edge aircraft testbed modified for Stellar Blu’s Sidewinder, an electronically steered antenna (ESA) based SATCOM terminal capable of delivering superior Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) activities.
The partnership of FJC and Stellar Blu has secured significant ISR contracts, including Bombardier Challenger and DeHavilland DHC-08 platforms, solidifying their expertise in the field.
Together, they will enhance their capabilities with a large-cabin, wide-body business jet ISR program and other small, midsize, and larger aircraft special mission applications. This partnership underscores their commitment to advancing the aerospace industry through innovative solutions.
“We are excited to partner with Stellar Blu, bringing together our expertise and innovative solutions,” said Justin Ladner, Special Mission Programs at Fargo Jet Center. “This collaboration will enhance our ISR program offerings and pave the way for future advancements in special mission aircraft.”
“From the beginning, we believed Sidewinder’s development would lead to additional partnership opportunities,” said Stellar Blu’s CEO Tracy Trent. “Fargo Jet Center’s focus on the global ISR and special mission fleet complements our partnerships in commercial aviation and further underscores the unmatched performance, flexibility, and value Sidewinder brings to the end user.”
The joint project includes demonstrations of multi-network satellite connectivity services and advanced ISR capabilities.
Utilizing Stellar Blu’s Sidewinder platform, the aircraft will perform global flight demonstrations and testing, showcasing the aircraft’s ability to provide superior global satellite network connectivity services, including high-definition video streaming capabilities both to and from the aircraft.
This new system will replace traditional high-drag mechanical gimbal-based directional antennas and limited line-of-sight systems.
“The Sidewinder terminal is a game-changer for our customers,” said Tracy Trent. “Core to the terminal design was openness and portability, which we have embraced to ensure longer terminal lifecycles and longevity on customer aircraft.”
The new low-profile, low-drag antenna system, which is straightforward to install, promises significant improvements over existing technologies. It will enable aircraft to achieve greater performance levels, lower operational costs, and increased mission readiness.
