Lufthansa Technik has developed its first radome for the Ka-band, which provides faster data transfer.
The TIOS (two-in-one solution) radome housing has a material layer structure that makes the installation of Ka-band antennas possible, offering optimal high-speed television and Internet connections for all Boeing Business Jets I (737-700) and II (737-800).
Lufthansa Technik TIOS got the EASA STC (Supplemental Type Certificate) and FAA validation in December 2016.
According to Lufthansa Technik, their approach of installing the TIOS on the vertical stabilizer makes it the perfect platform for satcom, satellite television antennas and also for HD camera.
Along with the installation of the antenna system in the plane’s rear fuselage, this solution helps to save space and also decreases the weight by up to 100 kilos.
According to Andrew Muirhead, who heads Lufthansa Technik’s Original Equipment Innovation division, the installation of the radome on the vertical stabilizer and the special aerodynamic design cuts drag and has a positive impact on the plane’s center of gravity.
A radome has been offered by Lufthansa Technik for Ku/L band antennas from 2000. Since the first version of the TIOS is not suitable for Ka-band frequencies with high data rates, they studied several different materials and their qualities while developing TIOS; according to Beate Rehberg, product manager for TIOS at Lufthansa Technik.
They were eventually able to develop a new material layer structure that permits frequencies in the Ka band to pass through, offering double speed data transfer for travelers.