Aviation satcoms
Connectivity expertise and solutions for aviation.
Aviation faces numerous connectivity challenges. Whether reflecting technical change, such as the integration of modern LEO satellites into existing systems, or complexities surrounding avionics development, product design and certification, these tasks are hard to address alone. That’s why business and government leaders have leaned on TTP’s expertise in aviation communications for everything from product development to regulatory compliance.
Developing aviation connectivity solutions & services, amidst rapid change
Aviation satellite communications is rapidly evolving. On top of significant changes over the past decade, innovations such as next-generation satellite constellations, 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) and advanced data analysis are further transforming in-flight communications. More, including 6G, are on the way. New aeronautical standards are also promising better tracking, greater safety and more efficient exchanges of data and information.
The aviation industry can apply these and other technologies to various ends, e.g., more seamless connectivity, improved flight operations and enhanced passenger services, such as Wi-Fi and real-time streaming. Deployment scenarios range from commercial and military aircraft to UAVs, new cargo delivery systems, HAPS and other advanced air mobility schemes. The big challenge is harnessing this mix of technologies to specific connectivity goals across a spectrum of platforms.
Fortunately, the interdisciplinary teams at TTP have been solving such multi-variable problems and delivering practical, cost-effective and mission-critical solutions for years. Our services for aeronautical communications systems range from discrete components to comprehensive solutions, all tailored to meet the complex needs of modern aviation. From the design to prototype and beyond, working with us is an effective way to meet today’s challenges and secure your future in the sky.
We selected TTP as a partner because of their comprehensive knowledge of satcoms, plus they understand our business and we were sure that they would deliver.
Inmarsat
Over the next 8-10 years, we expect the presence of uncrewed vehicles in mixed airspace to outgrow that of commercial air transport. Leveraging TTP’s expertise, our new UAV terminals are designed to offer scalable and robust multi-link communications that are less reliant on existing infrastructure. This advancement supports the digital ecosystem and will significantly contribute to the modernisation of air traffic programmes.
Anthony Spouncer
Senior Director of Advanced Air Mobility, Viasat
Wireless solutions for HAPS aircraft
Private and public-sector spending is expanding the High-Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS) market at a rapid clip. Supporting a wide range of applications, including military intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and cellular coverage, these fixed-wing aircraft fly at altitudes of around 20 km, notably staying aloft for weeks or months. But they face a host of technical challenges.
A special class of UAVs, HAPS must be durable despite environmental extremes and stable in the face of winds and turbulence. They typically rely on solar power and need to be lightweight and robust. Achieving that balance requires not only advanced technologies but also careful engineering of payloads and communications systems, a unique blend of expertise that TTP has acquired over more than two decades.
Leveraging our experience in the development of low-SWaP transceivers for UAVs and SmallSats, TTP has been involved in the development of transparent and regenerative payloads for cellular coverage from HAPS aircraft that includes service links in cellular bands, as well as mmWave backhaul.
The 5G NTN specification recognizes HAPS as essential components, alongside UAVs and satellites, but enhanced cellular coverage is far from the only HAPS application. In addition to telecommunications and ISR, HAPS aircraft could be used for disaster management and relief, precision agriculture, global navigation and positioning, scientific research, smart cities, and more. Collaborating with TTP on any number of HAPS missions is a strategically sound way to elevate your position in this burgeoning and high-flying market.
How we can help
Custom system design services
We develop tailored communication system architectures that meet specific operational requirements and regulatory standards for different types of aircraft, including those for commercial aviation, private jets, military aircraft, HAPS, UAVs and more. System design entails aligning advanced technologies, components and techniques with service or mission goals and unique deployment parameters, including low SWAP-C, environmental constraints, regulations, etc.
RF front end – a critical interface
A key building block for any aviation communications system is the RF Front End (RFFE). Positioned behind the antenna, the RFFE is crucial for transmitting and receiving RF signals in high-frequency aviation bands. Our expertise in this domain includes component optimization, reducing size and weight, electronic circuitry design, microcontroller coding, metal fabrication, systems engineering, prototyping and a comprehensive suite of testing.
Read our case study:
read our case study: TTP Delivers Low SWaP, High-Performing RFFE for Satcom Terminal
Steerable (phased array) flat panel antennas
LEO satellite mega-constellations are transforming global communications. Electronically steerable (aka phased array) flat panel antennas can adjust the direction of their main lobe, allowing them to target and maintain a direct link with fast-moving LEO satellites or other aircraft. We have developed (patent pending) phased array antenna technology that achieves unprecedented levels of cost and performance.
Flexible software-defined radios
Powering a flexible approach to signal processing, software-defined radios (SDRs) consist of generic hardware components that work with software to support multiple communication protocols and standards. Alongside next-generation terminals and antennas, SDRs inform the network architectures and cost structures designed into our advanced aviation communication systems.
Simulation, prototyping, and field testing
Our development process includes extensive simulation, prototyping, and field testing to validate system performance under various conditions, ensuring compliance with stringent aviation standards and spectrum regulations. We employ a combination of methods to generate scenarios for simulation and have the capacity to produce system prototypes that undergo a meticulous regime of field testing, evaluation and certification.
Regulatory and Standards Compliance
Navigating the regulatory environment for aeronautical equipment is a major challenge. We bake compliance into its end-to-end design, testing and certification process and has specific expertise in industry tests. Our software and hardware are developed in accordance with the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA) standards DO-178 and DO-254 and any resulting designs are tested to the demanding aviation environmental requirements of DO-160G.
Transfer to Manufacturing
Rapid on-time delivery of prototypes that meet strict design specifications is the TTP way – and vital in the competitive aviation market. Thereafter, we can shift into production mode, as requested, producing small batches in-house and/or working with you to select a vetted manufacturer, whose scaled delivery of additional units we support with documentation and production tests to validate configuration, performance and safety.
Custom system design services
We develop tailored communication system architectures that meet specific operational requirements and regulatory standards for different types of aircraft, including those for commercial aviation, private jets, military aircraft, HAPS, UAVs and more. System design entails aligning advanced technologies, components and techniques with service or mission goals and unique deployment parameters, including low SWAP-C, environmental constraints, regulations, etc.
RF front end – a critical interface
A key building block for any aviation communications system is the RF Front End (RFFE). Positioned behind the antenna, the RFFE is crucial for transmitting and receiving RF signals in high-frequency aviation bands. Our expertise in this domain includes component optimization, reducing size and weight, electronic circuitry design, microcontroller coding, metal fabrication, systems engineering, prototyping and a comprehensive suite of testing.
Read our case study:
read our case study: TTP Delivers Low SWaP, High-Performing RFFE for Satcom Terminal
Steerable (phased array) flat panel antennas
LEO satellite mega-constellations are transforming global communications. Electronically steerable (aka phased array) flat panel antennas can adjust the direction of their main lobe, allowing them to target and maintain a direct link with fast-moving LEO satellites or other aircraft. We have developed (patent pending) phased array antenna technology that achieves unprecedented levels of cost and performance.
Flexible software-defined radios
Powering a flexible approach to signal processing, software-defined radios (SDRs) consist of generic hardware components that work with software to support multiple communication protocols and standards. Alongside next-generation terminals and antennas, SDRs inform the network architectures and cost structures designed into our advanced aviation communication systems.
Simulation, prototyping, and field testing
Our development process includes extensive simulation, prototyping, and field testing to validate system performance under various conditions, ensuring compliance with stringent aviation standards and spectrum regulations. We employ a combination of methods to generate scenarios for simulation and have the capacity to produce system prototypes that undergo a meticulous regime of field testing, evaluation and certification.
Regulatory and Standards Compliance
Navigating the regulatory environment for aeronautical equipment is a major challenge. We bake compliance into its end-to-end design, testing and certification process and has specific expertise in industry tests. Our software and hardware are developed in accordance with the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA) standards DO-178 and DO-254 and any resulting designs are tested to the demanding aviation environmental requirements of DO-160G.
Transfer to Manufacturing
Rapid on-time delivery of prototypes that meet strict design specifications is the TTP way – and vital in the competitive aviation market. Thereafter, we can shift into production mode, as requested, producing small batches in-house and/or working with you to select a vetted manufacturer, whose scaled delivery of additional units we support with documentation and production tests to validate configuration, performance and safety.
Our approach and capabilities
We deliver across the entire life of a project, from opportunity discovery to production engineering. Discover how our interdisciplinary teams of experts collaborate to tackle the toughest product development challenges.
Our campus and facilities
Our award-winning campus has been designed with a clear vision. To create a space which can support our people and our clients as we develop and deliver the very best technology solutions.
Software capability at TTP
Engaged in all stages of software and product development, our software capability at TTP covers the full spectrum—from in-depth analysis and system architecture to prototype design, implementation, and test development.
Manufacturing capability at TTP
Working seamlessly with our development teams, we take clients' products through prototype builds, clinical trials, pilot manufacture and more. Using TTP Manufacturing reduces uncertainty, risk and time to market for our clients.
Meet some of the team
Paul Lotter
Sajid Ali
Martin Wallis
Ajay John
