The Stellar Blu Solutions multi-orbit Sidewinder aero terminal. Photo: Stellar Blu Solutions

Gilat Satellite Networks reports it has received more than $60 million in orders for its Stellar Blu ESA Sidewinder in-flight connectivity (IFC) terminals. Deliveries are expected in the next 12 months.

Gilat said the orders from a satellite operator will involve hundreds of Sidewinder ESA terminals to support new airline fleet awards in retrofit and the first production run for an OEM linefit terminal for Boeing. Stellar Blu has a line-fit partnership with Boeing for B737 MAX and B787 Dreamliner aircraft. 

Sidewinder is a multi-orbit IFC terminal compatible with the Eutelsat OneWeb constellation. According to Gilat, it supports uplink speeds of 260 Mbps and downlink speeds of 80 Mbps. Gilat acquired Stellar Blu, completing the acquisition in January to bolster its position in the IFC market. 

“The Stellar Blu Sidewinder ESA is redefining airborne connectivity with the performance and flexibility today’s aviation customers demand,” said Tracy Trent, president of Gilat Stellar Blu. “This momentum is opening significant opportunities to expand into high-value markets like VVIP and special mission aircraft, delivering advanced solutions that meet the most demanding connectivity requirements.”

William Blair analyst Louie DiPalma estimated in a research note that this order is for approximately 300 antennas. DiPalma noted this order reflects how the Sidewinder system “continues to gain traction in the in-flight connectivity market by supporting Intelsat and Panasonic Avionics connectivity to the OneWeb Low-Earth Orbit satellite constellation.”