TECOM Industries, Inc., a Smiths Interconnect company, and Rockwell Collins have entered into a long-term purchase agreement for the HGA-2100 high gain antenna (HGA) to meet the Boeing 787 SATCOM HGA requirements. The HGA-2100 is the latest addition to TECOM's line of SATCOM antenna products. This low-profile, fuselage-mounted antenna delivers improvement in performance and reliability for aircraft owners and fleet operators that are considering next-generation on-board INMARSAT communications, said TECOM. The HGA-2100 supports both voice safety services and cabin connectivity including Internet access and sending and receiving of e-mails and faxes.

Ralph L. Phillips, TECOM’s president, stated “This program win is the first major selection of the HGA-2100 and validates our modular technical approach. As part of the Smiths Group, TECOM benefits from their outstanding worldwide customer service and product support organization”.

The HGA-2100 is based on advanced third-generation phased array technology. The HGA-2100 delivers higher data throughput and low angle coverage than existing Aero-H antennas.

Unique features of the HGA-2100 include a fully integrated beam steering unit (BSU) that simplifies installation of the system. At 2.0 inches high, 14.4 inches wide and 41 inches long, this new product is a low-profile and lightweight (22.0 pounds) phased array, meeting operator demands for reduced drag and fuel consumption. The HGA-2100 will be certified to RTCA/DO-160D environmental standards.