Broomfield, CO. – SD Government, a Gogo (NASDAQ: GOGO) company providing connectivity infrastructure solutions to global governments and military, in partnership with Pilatus and Pro Star Aviation, have received the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval for the installation of the Gogo Galileo HDX on the Pilatus PC-12 turboprop. The approval covers multiple variants, including for special missions.

The first PC-12 modified by Pilatus to include Gogo Galileo in accordance with the Pro Star STC is expected to return to service imminently. The aircraft is part of a previously announced SD Government federal contract for multi-orbit, multi-band airborne global satellite communications to a US government agency.

Gogo Galileo harnesses the power of Eutelsat OneWeb’s low earth orbit (LEO) satellite network to deliver high-speed, low-latency connectivity globally. The Galileo HDX electronically steered antenna (ESA) offers a compact, lightweight, aerodynamic and low-power solution and is minimally invasive to install.

This new Gogo Galileo HDX STC will bring formerly unprecedented global connectivity capabilities to government, defense and other special missions PC-12 operators, enabling the streaming of time-sensitive data, including HD video, imagery, secure chat, and even real-time medical information for MEDEVAC purposes. Private and business operators can also take advantage of this new FAA STC, enabling high-speed internet services for users in the cabin and cockpit.

Pro Star Aviation, a US Pilatus Sales and Service Center, worked alongside Pilatus to develop and certify the FAA STC. Subsequent European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) approvals are expected as Gogo Galileo HDX becomes available as both a retrofit for in-service PC-12s and a line-fit option for newbuild aircraft.

“This certification marks another important step in expanding the capabilities of the PC-12 for government, defense, and special missions operators worldwide. Reliable, high-speed connectivity has become an essential mission requirement, enabling crews and decision-makers to exchange critical information in real time. Through our collaboration with SD Government and Pro Star Aviation, we are pleased to offer a proven connectivity solution that further enhances the versatility, effectiveness, and operational value of the PC-12 platform for customers operating in even the most demanding environments,” says Möhl Oliver, CEO and President of Pilatus Aircraft USA Ltd.

“We are excited to bring Gogo Galileo HDX to government, defense and special missions PC-12 operators, enabling them to securely stream mission-critical data from the aircraft to connected users, anywhere in the world. The PC-12 is an incredibly popular special missions aircraft – aside from our US Government launch customer, we’re already experiencing high demand for this upgrade from a variety of global operators,” says Ben Massey, SVP of Government Sales for SD Government.

“Working directly with Pilatus and Gogo during the preliminary planning phase allowed us all to develop an installation design that is flexible and compatible with the entire in-service fleet as well as new aircraft production,” adds Jeffrey Shaw, Director of Sales and Marketing at Pro Star Aviation.

About SD Government, a Gogo Company
 SD Government (SDG), a Gogo company, is a leading global operator of customized, secure end-to-end satellite connectivity services that deliver assured global access to networks, voice, data, and video applications on land and in the air. As part of the Gogo family, SDG leverages Gogo’s advanced technology ecosystem to provide integrated, mission-critical connectivity solutions to government and military operators worldwide.

Each SDG solution is scalable from simple point-to-point links to complete, end-to-end global systems that are fully interoperable and seamlessly integrated with government networks for enhanced situational awareness and faster response.

Providing customers with solutions across GEO, MEO, and LEO satellite constellations, encompassing L-, Ku-, Ka-, and frequency bands, SDG delivers innovative turnkey capabilities backed by Gogo’s proven expertise in aviation and connectivity infrastructure. The portfolio includes equipment, systems integration, ground networks, satellite airtime, training, and 24/7/365 global support.

Government customers trust SDG to deliver resilient, agnostic solutions with the highest quality of service and customer support, provided by an expert team of military veterans and technical specialists experienced in managing complex communications requirements to ensure mission success. Visit www.sdgov.gogoair.com.

About the PC-12 for Special Mission Operations

The rugged, field-proven PC-12 for Special Mission Operations is as versatile as an Army knife. In just minutes, it can be reconfigured to perform a wide range of special mission roles. In a single aircraft, the PC-12 combines high speed, long range, a spacious cabin, fuel efficiency, low maintenance requirements, and the ability to operate from short, unimproved runways, creating a unique asset unmatched in its class. It is a highly efficient platform capable of accomplishing a wide variety of critical missions.

The PC-12’s 330 cubic feet of cabin volume can be tailored to specific requirements. It can be reconfigured quickly from a nine-passenger transport configuration to a full-cargo or mixed passenger-and-cargo layout. It can also be converted into an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) or search-and-rescue platform with the discreet, deployable PC-12 Spectre electro-optical and infrared sensor lift and operator console. An optional utility door supports airdrop and parachute operations. The aircraft can also be transformed into a medevac configuration for air ambulance missions in a matter of minutes.pilatus-aircraft.com.