Three Advantages of the Hughes Lightweight Electronically Steerable Antenna (ESA) for Airlines

November 02, 2023

Alan Mak, Sr Broadband Aeronautical Solutions Director

false

In-flight connectivity aboard an airplane

One of the hottest topics in aviation these days is the Hughes ESA (Electronically Steerable Antenna). Here are three reasons the Hughes ESA is capturing attention in the in-flight connectivity (IFC) market:

It’s lightweight––The Hughes ESA produces less heat than other models, so thermal management systems that add weight to the antenna are minimized. Compared to traditional mechanically steered antennas and many other ESAs, the Hughes antenna is one of the lightest in the IFC market. Airlines are constantly looking for ways to minimize the weight of their aircraft. By using the Hughes ESA, airlines can allocate more of the payload capacity of their aircraft to revenue-generating passengers or cargo, rather than to heavier and higher drag IFC antennas.
It’s designed and manufactured in the USA—For more than 50 years, Hughes has been a leading innovator and developer of satellite communication technologies, like the Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT). The ESA is one more example of our engineering prowess. Designed in-house using application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)––also developed by Hughes––in conjunction with our software intellectual property (IP). The various types of ESAs (fixed, aviation, etc.) will be manufactured at our new state-of-the-art facility in Maryland, populated with extensive automation technology, so we can consistently deliver the highest quality terminals at an economical price point.
It’s ideal for future-proofing––Our ESA is designed for today and for tomorrow! Airlines want to deliver high-quality in-flight Wi-Fi connectivity to passengers and crew anywhere they fly, including transoceanic and polar routes. Hughes is a leading developer of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) technologies and a global provider of LEO connectivity. Airlines that deploy our ESAs today will be well-positioned to capitalize on the global coverage of current and next generation LEO satellites.

The Hughes ESA is poised to transform in-flight connectivity, offering airlines a comprehensive solution for their increasingly demanding communication needs, while ensuring quick and cost-effective installation.