W. L. Gore & Associates announced that its GORE™ Leaky Feeder Antenna has been selected for Dassault Aviation's Falcon 7X jet to enable OnAir's in-flight system to deliver GSM connectivity during flight. Dassault asked W. L. Gore & Associates and OnAir to develop a system that would enable passengers to use their own mobile phones and electronic devices rather than equipment installed in the jet.

GORE™ Leaky Feeder Antennas provide reliable access to different wireless protocols so passengers can easily connect to Internet servers, email accounts, telephone networks, and in-flight entertainment. These 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.

Unlike typical broadband technology that requires separate hardware for each type of wireless access, the versatile GORE™ Leaky Feeder Antennas offer a single solution for providing connectivity for a variety of electronic devices. They send and receive signals in frequencies ranging from 400 megahertz to 6 gigahertz, which makes them compatible with numerous communication standards, including Bluetooth, DECT, DECT2, Global Star, GSM, IRIDIUM Sat, MMS, PDC, TETRA, UMTS, WLAN 802.l11 a/b/g/n, and WiMAX.

According to Adrian Milne, product manager for GORE™ Leaky Feeder Antennas, this new technology makes it easier for business travelers to stay connected. “Today, many business jets have an onboard satellite-linked phone system, but passengers usually have to use a wired handset instead of their own devices,” explains Milne. “This new OnAir service with GORE™ Leaky Feeder Antennas allows passengers to make calls, send texts, and access the Internet in flight just like they do when sitting in their office: simply pick up the device and start using it. Dassault is clearly setting the pace by offering in-flight smart phone voice and data connectivity on business jets.”