Certus 700 Installation on Cessna Citation 525 Series
In April 2024, the first small cabin business jet was successfully retrofit with Collins Aerospace’s new IRT NX SATCOM solution, with QCM Design, an EASA-approved Part-21J DOA, obtaining the STC from EASA.
The aircraft selected for the prototype was a Cessna Citation 525 Jet owned and operated by Prince Aviation, a highly regarded EASA-approved MRO and operator based in Serbia, who would be completing the installation based on QCM Design’s certified designs.
Project Overview
The Connectivity Solution
The IRT NX SATCOM system from Collins Aerospace accesses the Iridium Certus® 700 network, which offers reliable, weather-resistant connectivity worldwide.
This SATCOM system includes a data unit, configuration module and antenna, which provides consistent, cohesive connectivity throughout the aircraft while using less power than legacy systems. This solution was designed with the modern business professional in mind.
Its high-speed, weather-resistant cabin connectivity through the Iridium Certus® 700 satellite service enables voice calls, sending and receiving e-mails and messages, browsing the internet and scrolling or posting on social media throughout the flight, while its light weight and compact size means it can be installed on most aircraft types, including smaller business jets.
The Endorsement
As an EASA-approved Part-21J endorsed to certify minor and major changes, QCM Design designed and verified the architectural solution to ensure it adhered to all EASA safety and quality standards, after which point they obtained EASA certification.
This included making sure that the SATCOM solution would not interfere with or affect any existing systems on the aircraft (such as GPS signals) and plan for space within the cabin for the new units and for relocations of some of the pre existing antennas. These structural and wiring changes had to be diligently planned by the QCM team, while ensuring that all relevant airworthiness requirements stipulated by EASA were being followed.
Being the first organizations to complete this retrofit on a small cabin business jet, this project challenged the design engineers from QCM Design and the aircraft technicians from Prince Aviation to exercise critical thinking and pre-emptively solve issues which may arise from a design and solutions architecture perspective.
The Integration
As an EASA-approved MRO and Operator with over two decades of structural and avionics expertise, Prince Aviation‘s experienced technicians completed the smooth and efficient installation of the Collins equipment based on QCM’s designs and manuals, ensuring a seamless integration and minimal downtime.
To enquire about chartering this WiFi aircraft, please contact Prince Aviation directly.
The Result
For business jets for which an STC is not yet available, an additional few weeks are necessary for planning and certification before installation can begin.
Already, the QCM team has started planning and designing the installation of Collins’ IRT NX solution on a Cessna Citation XLS, also in conjunction with Prince Aviation, and on a Beechcraft B200, with plans to expand our STCs further in the coming months.
Overview of the Connectivity Solution
Iridium Certus® 700
Iridium Certus® 700 service provides weather-resilient, reliable cabin connectivity worldwide. It has the fasted L-Band speeds available, with top download speeds of 704kbps.
Advantages
- High speed (704 kbps), weather-resilient L-band connectivity
- Low Size Weight and Power (SWaP) terminals ideal for midsize and smaller business aircraft
- Pole-to-Pole coverage at any altitude
- Low Latency, resulting in faster connections
Capabilities
- Best in class aviation safety voice and data
- Productivity cabin solution
- Provides a secure cockpit domain
Collins Aerospace’s IRT NX SATCOM System
Developed and manufactured by Collins Aerospace, the IRT NX SATCOM system enables your aircraft to access the Certus NEXT Constellation.
It includes a data unit, configuration module, and antenna, which provides consistent, cohesive connectivity throughout the aircraft while using less power than legacy systems. The high-gain antenna is substantially smaller and lighter than other connectivity solutions on the market, making it an ideal solution for small to medium aircraft.
It enables passengers to remain connected throughout the flight, supporting voice calls, sending/receiving texts and emails, browsing the internet and VPN, social media, and low/standard resolution video.
Features & Benefits:
- High data rates
- Lower weight, drag, & power usage
- On-wing security key generation
- Segregated safety & non-safety channels
- Scalable
- Already certified & deployed
Equipment Specifications:
- SATCOM Data Unit (SDU)
- Size: 2 MCU
- Voltage: 28 VDC and 115 VAC
- SATCOM Configuration Module (SCM)
- Size: A771 compliant
- Low Gain Antenna (LGA)
- Size: A771 compliant
- Footprint: A771 footprint #4
- High Gain Antenna (HGA)
- Size: A771 compliant
- Footprint: A771 footprint #4
Contact Us
QCM Design is an EASA Approved Part-21 DOA with over 10 years’ experience helping clients achieve their aircraft design goals, while ensuring that the highest safety regulations and industrial quality standards are met.
For more information about this connectivity solution, or to enquire about how we can assist with any other minor or major changes to your aircraft, please send us an email via design@part21.ch, or submit the contact form below.
We can also tailor-make solutions for any desired design concept, including the installation of new avionics or electronics systems, cabin interiors, galleys, or various other equipment installations.
Contact QCM Design
Please submit your enquiry using the form below, and someone from our team will get back to you shortly.
