User's Manual

AVIATION RECORDERS
COMPONENT MAINTENANCE MANUAL
AIRBUS IRIDIUM SATCOM SYSTEM
C. IRIDIUM ANTENNA SYSTEM
Refer to Figure 5. The antenna is a Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) unit that is
mounted on the top of the aircraft’s fuselage. It provides satellite connectivity for both
the GPS and Iridium satellite systems.
The Airbus Iridium SATCOM System has a single combined Iridium/GPS RF
connection on the rear interface connector, which is to be connected to a single
combined Iridium/GPS Antenna. The antenna system is comprised of all the
components from the rear interface connector up to, and including, the antenna. The
total gain of the antenna system must be greater than 0 dB at 1626.5 MHz (measured
at the antenna zenith).
Most Iridium antennas have a gain of +3 dBic at the zenith, therefore, the maximum
attenuation in the rest of the antenna system must be less than 3 dB. If an antenna
with a different gain is selected, the maximum loss of the rest of the antenna system
must be adjusted accordingly.
Figure 5. Airbus Iridium SATCOM System Antenna
Drawing Part Number: 009E5733-00
Description and Operation
Page 5
Jan. 21/14
23-28-01