Iridium partner SKYTRAC provides truly global connectivity for offshore search and rescue helicopter

Iridium Communications partner SKYTRAC is providing Iridium satellite connectivity to a Sikorsky S-92, which will be used for Search and Rescue off the shores of Guyana. SKYTRAC will enable truly global, weather-resilient, reliable connectivity for the S-92 helicopter with its ISAT-200A solution as well as BIue Sky Network’s Iridium Certus Connected SkyLink 7100. 

Bryan Hartin, Executive Vice President, Iridium, commented: “SKYTRAC equipping the Sikorsky S-92 with both the ISAT-200A and SkyLink 7100 provides a robust connectivity solution during Search and Rescue missions where reliable connectivity is critical. The powerful capabilities provided by SKYTRAC give the helicopter the ability to relay critical information and transmit real-time patient data with resilient satcom in locations where cellular connectivity is unavailable.”

With Iridium Certus 100 satellite connectivity provided by SKYTRAC, the S-92 will be capable of delivering dozens of mission capabilities, including automated flight following and mission management, medical data transfer, cockpit and cabin connectivity, real-time aircraft exceedance alerting, post-flight automated data offloading, real-time image transfers, secure and private satellite Push-to-Talk, satcom voice, text-based messaging, and email capabilities.

Armed with the ISAT-200A’s and SkyLink’s powerful intelligent connectivity capabilities, the S-92 will also be able to transmit real-time patient data over the Iridium network in remote locations, with the ability to dynamically switch to cellular networks when 4G/LTE connectivity is in range. The ability for Medical Data Transfer will provide continuous monitoring and transmission of critical patient data from the incident site to the hospital, enabling physicians to prepare in advance of a patient’s arrival.

Image Credit: Eric Clark