Iridium® Satellite Provides Tracking, Text and Telephony for Prism Helicopters
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BETHESDA, Md. - June 12, 2007 - Iridium Satellite today announced that Prism Helicopters has selected Sky Connect's TRACKER(TM) and Mission Managing Units (MMU) to equip its fleet with tracking, voice and text messaging via the Iridium satellite network.
The Iridium-enabled Sky Connect systems are fully compliant with new Canadian Government regulations which require that aircraft used in forestry contracts be outfitted with automated flight following (AFF) equipment.
Prism Helicopters operates a fleet of MD 500 and AS 350 helicopters used extensively in the forestry and mineral exploration industries. Iridium tracking capabilities provide Prism unparalleled oversight of its aircraft, enabling the company to efficiently manage the fleet and quickly reposition helicopters as necessary. Service over the Iridium network facilitates immediate access to two-way text messaging and secure voice communications, and the MMU supports extensive pre-programmed message and phone number storage.
"Canadian operators are recognizing the superior service availability and reliability of the Iridium satellite system and we are proud to supply Prism Helicopters with the best airborne implementation of Iridium services," said David Lynch, manager of Canada sales for Sky Connect.
"More and more helicopter fleets are leveraging the benefits of Iridium's seamless global coverage and reliable high-quality voice and data links," said Greg Ewert, executive vice president of Iridium Satellite. "Our value added partners, such as Sky Connect, continue to develop exceptional products that deliver unparalleled capabilities and value to the avionics sector."
Sky Connect's innovative AFF system utilizes the 66-satellite Iridium constellation to enable operations centers and contracting agencies to identify and track aircraft flying anywhere in the world. When interconnected with the aircraft's GPS, Sky Connect tracking reports complete flight data for the aircraft, including GPS flight plan, speed, altitude and current heading.
About Iridium Satellite
Iridium Satellite LLC (www.iridium.com) is the only provider of truly global satellite voice and data solutions with complete coverage of the earth (including oceans, airways and Polar Regions). Iridium delivers essential communications services to and from remote areas where no other form of communication is available. The Iridium constellation consists of 66 low-earth orbiting (LEO), cross-linked satellites and has multiple in-orbit spares. The constellation operates as a fully meshed network and is the largest commercial satellite constellation in the world. The Iridium service is ideally suited for industries such as maritime, aviation, government/military, emergency/humanitarian services, mining, forestry, oil and gas, heavy equipment, transportation and utilities. Iridium provides service to the U.S. Department of Defense. The company also designs, builds and sells its services, products and solutions through a worldwide network of more than 150 partners.
About Sky Connect
Sky Connect offers a range of satellite-based tracking and telephone systems for rotorcraft, fixed-wing, ground-based, and marine applications in both the commercial and government markets. The Sky Connect TRACKER provides seamless global flight tracking with true worldwide pole-to-pole coverage. Phone systems range from a cordless cabin-class handset to integrated sat-phone systems that communicate through the headset. Any Sky Connect satellite phone may be equipped with the TRACKER using the same transceiver and a single antenna. Sky Connect uses the Iridium satellite network for maximum coverage and effectiveness.
Press Contacts:
Liz DeCastro
Iridium Satellite LLC
+ 1 (301) 571-6257
liz.decastro@iridium.com
Jim Rhodes
Rhodes Communications
+1 (757) 451-0602
jrhodes@rhodescomm.com
