ICG Introduces Bundled Versions of Sora Voice and Data Communications System


Sora Lg, ig or ig+ provide value, fast connectivity and increased functionality

NEWPORT NEWS, VA - International Communications Group (ICG) has announced three bundled solutions to purchasers of their Sora advanced voice and data communications system designed to allow users to tailor their package to their specific airframe and bandwidth requirements. A key element of each bundle is a Cobham Antenna Systems Satcom product specifically aligned with the ICG Iridium and NxtMail products. Sora was originally introduced at the 2009 National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Annual Meeting & Convention in Orlando, Florida.

SoraLg combines ICG's most popular dual channel Iridium voice and data transceiver, the ICS-120A, with Cobham's newly developed SB200 Inmarsat SwiftBroadband (SBB) system to offer the most cost-effective worldwide voice and Internet access solution in the industry. Soraig substitutes Cobham's SB300 mechanical Intermediate Gain Inmarsat SwiftBroadband (SBB) antenna, the IGA 5006 SDU 7320 Satellite Data Unit and an HLD-7260 to provide faster connectivity while Soraig+ utilizes ICG's premium three channel transceiver, the ICS-220A and a low-profile Cobham IGA-5001 phased array antenna to provide operators of large business aircraft with more connectivity channels and increased functionality.

"We realize that the philosophy of 'one size fits all' doesn't apply to airborne communication systems," said ICG's Vice President of Sales Jeff Saucedo. "The scalability, benefits and capacity of the Sora system make it an attractive option for both new aircraft and retrofit markets. The vast diversity of airframes, owners and operators, along with their requirements make it imperative that we provide a versatile solution that offers plenty of capability without added expense."

All three Sora variants provide both enhanced cockpit / cabin voice and datalink communications and Aircraft Operations Center (AOC) and Air Traffic Service (ATS) capabilities that meet Future Air Navigation System (FANS-1/A) and Controller Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC) requirements for the flight deck. Sora which was granted U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certification (STC) last spring, offers both Iridium and Inmarsat Swift Broadband (SBB) voice and data services worldwide. The first Sora system was installed on a Gulfstream G200. The STC for the system provides the basis for installation on a variety of business jets.

Sora enables WiFi devices such as Blackberries, iPhones and personal computers to operate on the high speed SBB channel, while the cabin and crew communicate using Iridium's worldwide voice. Additionally, the flight crew can utilize a dedicated Iridium channel for Datalink safety messaging and also have available a priority voice channel for air traffic management and flight operations personnel.

Sora gives the flight crew a worldwide voice Satcom system that can serve as an alternative to a second High Frequency (HF) radio, a system that is compliant with the emerging requirements of the NextGen safety services. On transoceanic flights, a reliable communications channel can mean the difference between completing a trip or encountering a diversion or turn back.

Link: www.icg.aero/NewsEvents.aspx

All Topics