An advanced airborne 5G connectivity system has been successfully integrated onto a Britten Norman Islander aircraft, completing a series of demonstration flights.
This groundbreaking technology is being developed by several UK companies led by Stratospheric Platforms Limited (SPL), a leading developer of non-terrestrial network communications, with design, integration and demonstration flights being handled by manufacturer Britten-Norman.
SPL is at the forefront of developing airborne antennas that provide high performance 5G coverage over wide areas. The technology offers many valuable applications, including quickly restoring networks after major disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis when traditional mobile network infrastructure is disrupted.
On 18 July 2024, the project team joined distinguished guests from potential customers and investors to inspect the installation of the array under real flight conditions during an event at Britten Norman’s Solent Airport aircraft maintenance (MRO) facility. The test, conducted by Britten Norman’s flight test organisation, was aimed at demonstrating the ability of an aircraft fitted with large 5G phased array antennas to operate safely. Key aspects of the flight test programme included an assessment of the aircraft’s performance and manoeuvrability, covering both normal and emergency operations. This will support full certification of the system, enabling integration into ground communications networks with connection speeds of up to 200Mbps over 15,000km2.
The BN2T-4S Islander turboprop aircraft was selected for its rugged design, all-weather capabilities, excellent endurance and payload capacity. Additionally, the aircraft’s modular design makes it an ideal platform to integrate a large mission systems payload while maintaining the ability to be rapidly redeployed for other missions.
The next phase of the project will demonstrate the technology over a connection to a UK-based civilian nationwide 5G communications network. This innovative project represents a major leap in airborne communications, bringing us one step closer to achieving reliable, high-speed 5G air connectivity.
Richard Deakin, CEO of Stratospheric Platforms Limited, said, “Stratospheric Platforms is committed to creating pioneering innovative solutions that transform the connectivity landscape. Our commitment to providing a high-altitude, zero-carbon, long-endurance communications platform will revolutionize how the world connects, especially in remote and underserved areas. We believe our cutting-edge technology will provide unprecedented global communications opportunities, creating a more connected and inclusive world. Today’s flight test marks an important step in the continued validation of our technology innovation.”
Dr Garnet Ridgway, Head of Flight Dynamics at Britten Norman, said: “This project perfectly demonstrates Britten Norman’s capabilities as a premier test organisation and the turboprop Islander’s capabilities as an extremely capable test aircraft. Working closely with our partners, this project includes deliverables from our design, manufacturing, MRO, flight test and flight operations teams. It is always satisfying to deliver a safe and effective flight test programme, but this one was particularly exciting due to the great potential of SPL’s system and the collaborative nature of the teams. The large and complex nature of the system places great demands on the host aircraft, but the BN2T-4S performed brilliantly. Its combination of payload, endurance, climb performance, twin engine reliability, robustness and power generation means it is unbeatable for this mission.”
