General Atomics AeroTec Systems GmbH (GA-ATS) joins a strategic partnership with SVP Aerospace to provide comprehensive mission equipment solutions for reliable data transmission between the Do228 NXT special mission aircraft and various ground targets, including ships, vehicles, ground stations and other aircraft. With this partnership SVP Aerospace’s proven technology, capable of transmitting up to four HD videos or one UHD stream with low latency and high stability, becomes available for the Do228 NXT aircraft and its ever-growing list of equipment options. The Spanish provider offers versatile data transmission equipment for defense, security and emergency operators worldwide. The new mission equipment allows Do228 NXT operators to transmit a wide variety of data, such as metadata, photos, videos, coordinates, live videos or infrared photos. The specific data and transmission paths can be selected individually.
The partnership delivers three distinct data link solutions that can be installed on the aircraft: IP Satellite DataLink, IP Cellular DataLink and AVS RF Antenna (Line of Sight). These can be installed individually or combined to offer the operator maximum operational flexibility. IP Satellite DataLink provides global coverage for data transmission through satellite communication for operations in remote areas and extended ranges. The second option, IP Cellular DataLink, leverages standard cellular networks and SIM card technology, offering seamless 5G access. This option is particularly advantageous for the Do228 NXT, which operates effectively at low altitudes where cellular coverage remains strong. Furthermore, the AVS RF Antenna enables direct line of sight communication with a range of up to 160 kilometers, providing a cost-effective and reliable option for operations within visual range.
The Dornier 228 is a twin-turboprop STOL utility aircraft, designed and first manufactured by Dornier GmbH (later DASA Dornier, Fairchild-Dornier) from 1981 until 1998. About 245 such aircraft were built in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany. On 30 September 2020, US firm General Atomics bought the Dornier 228 production line in Oberpfaffenhofen, including the transfer of all 450 employees, pending regulatory approval. The sale was announced on 15 October 2020, and was completed in February 2021. The Do228 NXT as a highly versatile platform, is capable of addressing a wide range of operational requirements. The aircraft’s proven design and flight characteristics, combined with the advanced data transmission systems of SVP Aerospace provides full connectivity and real-time data transmission capabilities. This enables operators to conduct complex missions including surveillance and reconnaissance, maritime patrol, emergency response coordination, environmental monitoring, and search and rescue operations.
General Atomics AeroTec Systems is a company of the General Atomics Europe Group, which consists of ten companies active in the business areas of Aeronautics, Infrastructure and Sustainability. Nearly 1,000 dedicated and motivated employees work at the locations in Saxony, Brandenburg, Berlin and Bavaria in various sectors of high and future technology. In Oberpfaffenhofen, in the heart of Europe, the company offer maintenance, modernization and upgrades for the Do228 in a state-of-the-art One-Stop-Shop. In addition, we carry out maintenance services for military helicopters and offer engine overhauls for Honeywell engines. General Atomics Europe is part of the US General Atomics Group, which is active worldwide in high technology and employs over 17,500 people.
