Iridium Antenna

Installation Guide

BLUE SKY NETWORK, LLC

16559 N 92nd St, Suite 101
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Any operation. Any asset. Anywhere. Iridium Antenna Installation Guide v3.3

Iridium Antenna
Installation Guide
Version 3.3

Part Number: CI 490-501

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NOTICE

This guide is published and copyrighted by Blue Sky Network (BSN). All information and
specifications in this document are subject to change without notice. Nothing in this document is
intended to create additional or separate warranties or guarantees.

Blue Sky Network, 16559 N 92nd St, Suite 101, Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Phone: +1 858-551-3894 | Fax: +1 858-225-0794

Email: [email protected] | Website: www.blueskynetwork.com

© 2023 Blue Sky Network, All Rights Reserved

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

NOTICE ......................................................................................................................... 3

INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................... 7

OVERVIEW ................................................................................................................... 7

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION & OPERATION................................................................ 8

System Description .............................................................................................................................................8

Iridium Satellite Network .................................................................................................................................9

FAA/JAA APPROVAL .............................................................................................. 10

Installation & Operational Approval Procedures ....................................................................................10

Instructions for Continued Airworthiness .................................................................................................10

Environmental Qualification ..........................................................................................................................10

SINGLE-CHANNEL ANTENNA .................................................................................................................. 10

DUAL-CHANNEL ANTENNA...................................................................................................................... 10

GNSS & IRIDIUM ANTENNA .................................................................................................................... 10

EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATIONS & DRAWINGS .................................................. 11

Single-Channel Antenna ..................................................................................................................................11

Dual-Channel Antenna .....................................................................................................................................12

GNSS & Iridium Antenna .................................................................................................................................13

INSTALLATION & WIRING ..................................................................................... 15

License Requirements ......................................................................................................................................15

Equipment Required, But Not Supplied ......................................................................................................15

Antenna & Antenna Cable Installation .......................................................................................................15

SINGLE-CHANNEL ANTENNA (S67-1575-109) INSTALLATION .................................................... 15

DUAL-CHANNEL ANTENNA (CI 490-501) INSTALLATION............................................................. 16

GNSS & IRIDIUM ANTENNA (S5GIRG3RR -AP-XTS-1) INSTALLATION ...................................... 16

ANTENNA CABLE INSTALLATION .......................................................................................................... 17

ANTENNA CABLE ROUTING CONSIDERATIONS .............................................................................. 17

POST-INSTALLATION PROCEDURES ................................................................. 18

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Ground Test & Operational Flight Check Procedure ...............................................................................18

Maintenance .......................................................................................................................................................18

AIRCRAFT ANNUAL INSPECTION CONSIDERATIONS .................................................................... 18

TECHNICAL SUPPORT ........................................................................................... 19

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PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

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INTRODUCTION

This guide is applicable to the following components.

Part Number Component Description

S67-1575-109 Iridium-tuned single-channel antenna

CI 490-501 Iridium-tuned dual-channel antenna

S5GIRG3RR-AP-XTS-1 GNSS & Iridium antenna

CXTGR245GR-25 Antenna Kit 25” cable (juego cables de 25”)

CXTER195KR-25

Notes

OVERVIEW

The information in this guide describes the features, functions, technical characteristics,
components, approval procedures, installation considerations, setup & checkout procedures, and
instructions for continued airworthiness for an Iridium antenna installation.

The information, drawings, and wiring diagrams in this guide are intended as a reference for
engineering planning only and do not represent any specific STC, Form 337, or Form 1 aircraft
installation. It is the installer’s responsibility to create installation drawings specific to the aircraft.
This guide and the drawings and wiring diagrams contained herein may not be used as a substitute
for any drawing package.

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SYSTEM DESCRIPTION & OPERATION

System Description

The Iridium-tuned antenna is an L-band antenna tuned to the Iridium system frequency of 1616
MHz to 1626.5 MHz. The antenna is TSO’d and qualified for high-speed military and commercial
aircraft.

Individual component descriptions and specifications are detailed in the Equipment Specifications
and Drawing section of this document.

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Iridium Satellite Network

The Iridium satellite system provides truly mobile satellite voice and data solutions with complete
coverage of the Earth (including oceans, airways, and polar regions). Through a constellation of 66
low-earth orbiting (LEO) satellites, Iridium delivers essential communications services to and from
remote areas where terrestrial communications are not available.

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FAA/JAA APPROVAL

Acceptance for the installation and use of the Iridium antenna must be sought through the
appropriate offices of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA), or
other certifying agency.

Installation & Operational Approval Procedures

A functional ground test and an operational flight check procedure should be used to verify proper
install, functional performance, and electromagnetic compatibility with existing aircraft systems.

Instructions for Continued Airworthiness

The Iridium antenna requires no routine servicing or maintenance. The installation has no additional
overhaul time limitations.

Environmental Qualification

SINGLE-CHANNEL ANTENNA

The single-channel antenna is qualified to DO-160, MIL-C-5541, MIL-E-5400, MIL- STD-810, and TSO-
C129.

DUAL-CHANNEL ANTENNA

The dual-channel antenna is qualified to DO-160C, MIL-C-5541, MIL-E-5400, MIL- STD-810 and TSO-
C129a.

GNSS & IRIDIUM ANTENNA

The active GPS and Iridium antenna is qualified to FAA TSO-C144, DO-160D, D0- 228, MIL-C-5541,
MIL-E-5400, MIL-I-45208A, MIL-STD-810, and SAE J1455 standards.

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EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATIONS & DRAWINGS

Single-Channel Antenna

The single-channel antenna is a spherical-radius molded radome that provides protection against
rain, ice, and lightning strikes. It is qualified for high-speed military and commercial aircraft and is
designed to DO-160, MIL-C-5541, MIL-E-5400, MIL-STD-810, and TSO- C129 standards.

Frequency (Iridium/GPS) 1616 -1626.5 MHz / 1575 10MHz

VSWR 1.5:1
Polarization Right Hand Circular Polarization (RHCP)
Impedance 50 ohms
Power Handling 60 watts CW
Gain +3 dBic @ Zenith
Lightning Protection DC grounded
Weight 6 oz.
Material 6061-T6 aluminum / thermoset plastic
Finish Skydrol-resistant enamel

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Dual-Channel Antenna

The dual-channel antenna is available for aircraft with multiple Iridium phone installations. The
antenna is a low profile dual-element molded radome that provides coverage from 1610 to 1626.5
MHz for excellent Iridium operations and 1530-1660.5 MHz for low gain data application. It is
designed to DO-160C, MIL-C-5541, MIL-E- 5400, MIL-STD-810, and TSO-C129a standards and is
qualified for high-speed military and commercial aircraft.

Frequency J1 1610 - 1626.5 MHz

J2 1530 - 1660.5 MHz
VSWR 2.0:1
Polarization Right Hand Circular Polarization (RHCP)
Impedance 50 ohms
Power Handling 60 watts
Gain +3 dBic @ Zenith
Lightning Protection DC grounded
Weight 16 oz.
Material 6061-T6 aluminum / thermoset plastic
Finish Skydrol-resistant enamel

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GNSS & Iridium Antenna

The GNSS & Iridium antenna is a rectangular molded radome that provides protection against rain,
ice, and lightning strikes. It is qualified for high-speed military and commercial aircraft and is
designed to FAA TSO-C144, DO-160D, D0-228, MIL-C- 5541, MIL-E-5400, MIL-I-45208A, MIL-STD-810,
and SAE J1455 standards.

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INSTALLATION & WIRING

Generally, aircraft modification consists of installing the Iridium antenna in the aircraft. NOTE: THE
IRIDIUM ANTENNA REQUIRES PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION.

License Requirements

The Iridium phone system has no licensing requirements.

Equipment Required, But Not Supplied

1) Mounting Hardware
2) Doubler Plate (Dual-Channel only)

Antenna & Antenna Cable Installation

For optimum performance, the antenna must be installed on the upper surface of the aircraft
fuselage, away from the vertical stabilizer, and with an unrestricted view of the sky down to eight
degrees above the horizon (similar to a GPS antenna).

Transmission from the antenna may be affected by, and can affect, the operation of other systems.
It is the installer’s responsibility to evaluate the location for any possible RF interference. In
particular, the Iridium frequency is near the allocated GPS and Inmarsat band. The antenna should
be at least 39 inches (1 meter) from TCAS and Transponder antennas and any L-band antennas,
particularly GPS.

Observe all appropriate sections of AC 43.13-1B and AC 43.13-2A.

Strict maximum attenuation requirements for the coax cable and connectors that link the antenna
to the Iridium phone must be observed. The signal loss budget, including the antenna cable and all
connectors, from the antenna to the Iridium phone is < 2dB at 1626 MHz. The BSN installation kits
include the FAA-approved low loss coax antenna cable sized to meet this requirement.

SINGLE-CHANNEL ANTENNA (S67-1575-109) INSTALLATION

This antenna has a low profile, providing structurally insignificant drag loads. The antenna is usually
installed using four MS27039C1-10 attachment screws (10-32). However, each aircraft has unique
airframe issues. The installer is responsible for the decision on any antenna installation issue.

A 1.25-inch (32 mm) diameter penetration, drilled at installation, permits the antenna coax
connector to be fed into the aircraft. A doubler, provided with the antenna, reinforces the 1.25-inch
diameter penetration. The doubler is 0.040 inch (1.0 mm) thick 6061-T6 aluminum alloy and creates
an effective ring of 4.09 inches (104 mm). The doubler is attached to the skin using 16 NAS1097AD3
rivets. This doubler may NOT be appropriate for your aircraft. The installation material required may
vary from aircraft to aircraft and is the responsibility of the installer to determine.

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Any operation. Any asset. Anywhere. Iridium Antenna Installation Guide v3.3

DUAL-CHANNEL ANTENNA (CI 490-501) INSTALLATION

This antenna has a low profile, providing structurally insignificant drag loads. The antenna is usually
installed using four MS27039C1-10 attachment screws (10-32). However, each aircraft has unique
airframe issues. The installer is responsible for the decision on any antenna installation issue.

A 1.25- inch (32 mm) diameter penetration, drilled at installation, permits the antenna coax
connector to be fed into the aircraft. No doubler plate is included with the dual-channel antenna
since each aircraft has a different shape and design.

GNSS & IRIDIUM ANTENNA (S5GIRG3RR-AP-XTS-1) INSTALLATION

The GNSS & Iridium antenna has a low profile, providing structurally insignificant drag loads. The
antenna is usually installed using four MS27039C1-10 attachment screws (10-32). However, each
aircraft has unique airframe issues. The installer is responsible for the decision on any antenna
installation issue.

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ANTENNA CABLE INSTALLATION

The antenna cable must be routed from the antenna to Iridium phone.

Strict maximum attenuation requirements for the coax cable and connectors that link the antenna
to the Iridium phone must be observed. The signal loss budget, including the antenna cable and all
connectors, from the antenna to the Iridium device is < 2dB at 1626 MHz. Maximum cable length is
determined by this specification. Measured Voltage Standing Wave Ratio, or VSWR, of the coax cable
assembly, antenna, and any bulkhead feed-through adapter must be < 1.5 to 1.

Note: This BSN installation kits include a 25-foot (7.6 m), FAA-approved low loss coax antenna cable
sized to meet this requirement. In addition, Blue Sky Network has custom cables lengths and
configurations up to 60 feet (18 meters) long to meet your installation requirements. You can also
request that one or both end connectors be shipped uninstalled to ease cable routing.

ANTENNA CABLE ROUTING CONSIDERATIONS

1) Cable length and routing must be carefully planned before starting the installation.
2) Avoid sharp bends in the cable. Exceeding the minimum bend radius of the antenna coax cable
may result in permanent degradation of the cable loss.
3) Do not locate the cable near aircraft controls.
4) Observe all appropriate sections of FAR Parts 23, 25, 27, and 29, as well as AC 43.13-1B and AC
43.13-2A.
5) To ensure optimum performance, the antenna cable should be kept a minimum of three feet
from high-noise sources and not routed with cables from high power sources.

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POST-INSTALLATION PROCEDURES

Ground Test & Operational Flight Check Procedure

A functional ground test and an operational flight check procedure should be used to verify proper
installation and functional performance.

The required logbook entries and FAA approvals are the responsibility of the installer. Blue Sky
Network assumes no responsibility for either obligation.

Maintenance

AIRCRAFT ANNUAL INSPECTION CONSIDERATIONS

During the aircraft annual inspection:

1) Visually inspect the antenna installation for loose fasteners or corrosion.

2) Perform a functional system check by making a telephone call.

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TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Blue Sky Network is committed to providing the highest level of service and support. If you have any
questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us by email or phone; contact information is
available at the bottom of this page. For self-help, please visit https://support.blueskynetwork.com/.

Thank you for choosing Blue Sky Network!

Blue Sky Network, 16559 N 92nd St, Suite 101, Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Phone: +1 858-551-3894

Email: [email protected] | Website: www.blueskynetwork.com

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