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Fargo Jet Center has entered into a strategic partnership with satellite communications technologist Stellar Blu Solutions to enhance connectivity capabilities for special-mission aircraft. The collaboration has led to the development of an aircraft testbed equipped with Stellar Blu’s Sidewinder, an electronically steered antenna-based satcom terminal designed to support intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) activities. Fargo Jet installed a Stellar Blu Sidewinder antenna on a Cessna Citation Encore+.
The project will involve global demonstrations and testing of advanced ISR capabilities through multi-network satellite connectivity services using the Sidewinder platform. This new technology replaces traditional high-drag mechanical gimbal-based directional antennas and limited line-of-sight systems, aiming to showcase capabilities such as high-definition video streaming to and from the aircraft. The partnership has already secured ISR contracts on the Bombardier Challenger and de Havilland DHC-8 platforms.
"We are excited to partner with Stellar Blu, bringing together our expertise and innovative solutions," said Justin Ladner, who heads special mission programs at Fargo Jet Center. "This collaboration will enhance our ISR program offerings and pave the way for future advancements in special mission aircraft."
