Press Releases
AP Labs Begins Certification Tests for Row 44 In-flight Satellite Broadband System
San Diego, Calif. - 31 January, 2008 – AP Labs, Inc. an industry leader in design and manufacture of rugged enclosures and airborne computer systems is pleased to announce that it has met a major milestone in the development program for the Row 44 In-flight Satellite Broadband System. Certification testing commenced this month for the Server Management Unit (SMU) and Modem Data Unit (
MDU), which are key elements of the new system provide in-flight Internet connectivity, entertainment, and airline operational data services for commercial airline passengers.
AP Labs was selected by Row 44, Inc of Westlake Village, CA, to design and manufacture these sub-systems based on similar experience in the commercial and military aerospace business. The test phase of this program is expected to reach completion with FAA airworthiness certification in Spring 2008.
The Row 44 system leverages an existing high capacity Ku-band satellite system, already operational worldwide. Row 44’s low-profile antenna is mounted to the top of the fuselage, and system LRUs are installed in the interior of the aircraft above the passenger cabin. Passenger access to the system will be supported by two or more cabin wireless LAN units, depending on the size and configuration of the aircraft.
Unlike competing air-to-ground services, Row 44's satellite-based system is designed to function over land, water and across international borders, enabling service to both domestic and international carriers. Alaska Airlines and Southwest Airlines have announced that they will test Row 44 system later this year.
“The SMU and MDU are mission critical components of the Row 44 system” says Andy Mason, VP of Product Development for AP Labs. “AP Labs is excited to be part of the team involved in the design and deployment of this new capability for commercial aviation.”
About Row 44 Row 44 is the fast, global, fleet-wide solution for inflight broadband services – high-speed Internet, video entertainment, cell phone support, and airline operational services. The system offers wide-body, narrow-body and even regional jet support along with flexible service deployment options. And its cost effective because installation is quick, the hardware is light, and the service leverages existing satellite networks. Row 44 website can be found at
www.row44.com.
About AP Labs, Inc. AP Labs is a premier supplier of rugged enclosures, real-time and integrated system solutions for the defense, aerospace and commercial markets. AP Labs provides a single point of contact for design, test and support of complex turnkey solutions and specializes in the development and manufacture of rugged systems for embedded computer applications that require a COTS approach.
Founded in 1985, AP Labs has developed a reputation for successfully providing customers with products and capabilities designed to reduce project schedule, risk and cost. AP Labs systems and enclosures are deployed on submarines, surface ships, aircraft (manned & unmanned) and ground mobile platforms. Headquartered in
San Diego, California, and can be found on the web at
www.aplabs.com.
Justine Johnson, Marketing Communications, AP Labs, 10864 Thornmint Road, San Diego, CA 92127. Tel: 858-674-2850 x105, Fax: 858-674-2869, Email: justine@aplabs.com