New GORE Cable-Based Antennas Improve Passenger In-Flight Access To Wireless Networks

W. L. Gore & Associates has developed new cable-based antennas (often referred to as leaky lines or leaky feeders) that improve signal propagation without increasing the amount of hardware required on an airplane. Ideal for both wide-body and single-aisle passenger aircraft, GORE Cable-Based Antennas provide reliable access to different wireless protocols so passengers can easily connect to in-flight entertainment, Internet servers, and email accounts.

GORE Cable-Based Antennas are easily installed along the length of the cabin ceiling, and with signal propagation occurring every meter along the antenna, passengers are assured reliable access, regardless of their location in the plane. Passengers’ signals are transmitted via a signal network computer and outside antenna to satellites that connect to the worldwide network.

Unlike typical broadband technology that requires separate hardware for each type of wireless access, the versatile GORE Cable-Based Antenna reduces airline costs because the antenna requires only one set of hardware to service the entire aircraft, regardless of its size. This lightweight antenna offers a single solution for providing connectivity for a variety of electronic devices. This antenna sends and receives signals in frequencies ranging from 400 megahertz to 6 gigahertz, which makes it compatible with numerous communication standards, including Bluetooth, DECT, DECT2, Global Star, GSM, IRIDIUM Sat, MMS, PDC, TETRA, UMTS, WLAN 802.11 a/b/g, and WiMAX.

Constructed with unique, engineered fluoropolymers in a lightweight coaxial cable, the GORE Cable-Based Antenna meets all shock, vibration and fire specifications, including AirBus ABD0031 and FAR Part 25.1359(d). Available in lengths of more than 65 meters, they require no maintenance for the lifetime of the aircraft.

According to Helmut Seigerschmidt, Gore’s European product leader for aerospace applications, the GORE Cable-Based Antenna is the premier choice for wide-body aircraft. “Several years ago, a current customer approached Gore to work with them to develop a cost-effective technology that would provide reliable wireless connections for their passengers. From our years of experience with the aerospace industry, we knew that our solution needed to take into account the weight constraints and limited space available on the aircraft. Therefore, we began our design with the concept of a single device that would handle all protocols and provide reliable access anywhere in the cabin. As a result of this approach, our leaky-line antennas have been selected for retrofit as well as new production of both single-aisle and long-range aircraft.” 

For more information about Gore’s full line of products for the aerospace industry, visit www.gore.com/aerospace.

About W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
Gore is a technology-driven company focused on discovery and product innovation. Well known for waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX fabric, the company’s portfolio includes everything from high-performance fabrics and implantable medical devices to industrial manufacturing components and aerospace electronics. Headquartered in the United States, Gore posts annual sales of more than $3.2B and employs approximately 10,000 associates in 30 countries worldwide. In Europe, Gore started its first business operations only a few years after the Enterprise's founding in 1958. Gore now has locations - sales offices as well as production facilities - in the key European countries with around 2,000 associates dedicated to serving the markets of all of Gore's product divisions. Gore is one of a select few companies to appear on all of the U.S. “100 Best Companies to Work For” lists since the rankings debuted in 1984. For several years now, Gore has also been voted one of the best workplaces in Europe and has been ranked on top workplace lists in France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy and Sweden. For more information, visit gore.com.

SOURCE: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.