Gogo selects Kontron 2Ku MODMAN for inflight connectivity on new, retrofit aircraft

AUGSBURG, Germany. Gogo in Chicago is deploying in its 2Ku inflight entertainment and connectivity (IFE&C) system the next-generation MODMAN (Modem Manager) unit from Kontron, a provider of embedded computing technology (ECT) and avionics systems in Augsburg, Germany. Kontron's ARINC 791-compliant modem manager will support simultaneous Internet connectivity in Gogo's retrofit and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) line fit programs.

"Gogo is constantly looking to innovate throughout the entire ecosystem of our network solutions including the hardware," says Gogo Chief Technology Officer Anand Chari. "Kontron has been a great partner in helping us continue to improve on our already industry-leading technologies."

The Kontron MODMAN, based on the Taurus Ku-band modem from Gilat Satellite Networks, uses advanced technologies from the Kontron ACE Flight server, which includes processor and Ethernet switch building blocks. The MODMAN will support simultaneous inflight Internet connectivity and Internet Protocol television (IPTV) to users of the Gogo 2Ku system.

The Kontron MODMAN leverages the standard product features of the company's ACE Flight 4780 server and is compliant to the ARINC 791 standard, which covers airborne Ku-band & Ka-band satellite communications (SATCOM) systems. Conformance to ARINC 791 combined with the ACE Flight open architecture platform, means that Kontron can easily adapt the MODMAN product to other installations and a diverse range of modem solutions, officials say.

"The selection of the Kontron MODMAN for the Gogo 2Ku IFC system is a significant milestone for us," says Andy Mason, vice president of technology at Kontron America. "The Kontron team has a long history of collaboration with Gogo, going back to the first air-to-ground deployments in the US. Kontron's global footprint allows us to fully support the Gogo 2Ku system and its worldwide customers."

Kontron supplies airborne servers, wireless access points, and communication units to the rapidly growing In-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFE&C) market. There are currently more than 4,000 commercial aircraft and business jets operating worldwide with Kontron equipment on board.

Kontron, a provider of embedded computing technology and secure IoT platform solutions, offers a combined portfolio of hardware, middleware, and services. With its leading-edge standard products and solution ready platforms, Kontron enables new technologies and applications across multiple industries. As a result, customers benefit from accelerated time-to-market, reduced total cost of ownership, product longevity and the best overall application with the highest reliability in embedded technology.

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