Boeing Initiates Airborne Communication Test Lab

Boeing launched a new flying laboratory for the validation and verification of new broadband airborne communications. Called "Connexion One," the specially equipped Boeing 737 is designed to test the overall system capability of systems and will enable engineers to certify portions of onboard communications hardware.

"Connexion One provides a dedicated environment for demonstrating the robustness and inflight operability of the Connexion by Boeing service," said Scott Carson, president, Connexion by Boeing.

The Connexion One aircraft is operated by the Connexion by Boeing flight test team and the airframe is equipped with an onboard computer server, router and service analysis equipment to demonstrate security enhancement capabilities. Externally the airframe is fitted with a low-profile phase array antennas to enable realtime, Ku-satellite-based communication.

Bernhardt Seiter, Lufthansa's Internet onboard director said, "having personally tested, from 39,000 feet, a system that our passengers will be able to use in the near future was an overwhelming experience."

A prototype of the Connexion by Boeing service is currently available to the executive services market in the U.S., and Boeing expects to equip Lufthansa's long-haul fleet in late 2002.