GENEVA, May 25, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- EMS Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:ELMG) announced today, at the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE), that its first 4-Channel solution using HSD-X High Speed Data Channel Extensions has been installed on a business aircraft.
The installation was performed by Pentastar Aviation in Waterford, Mich., on its customer's Gulfstream G-V aircraft. Two HSD-X units were installed in combination with the EMS HSD-128 High Speed Data Terminal to provide up to four Swift64 channels, for combined data rates of up to 256 kbps.
"This is a major accomplishment in the world of high-speed data," said Tom Seeber, president and chief operating officer of Pentastar Aviation, which obtained the Supplemental Type Certificate for these installations.
"We are the leader in providing unparalleled service in the world of corporate air travel," added Edsel B. Ford, owner of Pentastar Aviation, "and this new service availability demonstrates our commitment to setting the standard in the field."
"This installation represents another first for EMS. We were the first flying with a High Speed Data terminal, first to provide 128 kbps, and now the first with 256 kbps. We continue to be ahead of the curve," commented Mark van Berkel, director, sales, Aeronautical Satcom Products, EMS Technologies, SATCOM Division.
HSD-X operates in conjunction with an HSD-128 transceiver to provide additional channels of Inmarsat Swift64 and Mini-M AMBE voice services. One or two HSD-X modules can be added to the base HSD-128 system, each providing an additional 64 kbps voice/data channel.
The HSD-X and HSD-128, are compatible with all ARINC 741 Aero-H/H+ Satcom antennas, use industry-standard networking protocols and interfaces, and are easily integrated into the aircraft local area network (LAN), providing fast global voice and data links. With bi-directional data throughput capability of up to four 64 kbps channels, capabilities include sending and receiving e-mail, accessing the Internet, videoconferencing, and accessing private networks on board commercial, private and military aircraft.
About Pentastar Aviation
Utilizing the latest in state-of-the-art avionics, airframe, and engine maintenance technologies with the support of a highly skilled and experienced workforce, Pentastar Aviation has extensive maintenance capabilities. Pentastar also specializes in aircraft brokerage, aircraft charter, avionics design/installation/repair, and aircraft management. The world-class FBO provides exceptional customer service and ExxonMobil's Avitat fuel. The talented team of chefs in the in-house catering division, Five Star Gourmet, delivers sumptuous meals designed to please the palette as well as the eye. Pentastar is also an authorized warranty and repair service center for Gulfstream and Rolls Royce Canada.
For more information, visit Pentastar Aviation website at www.pentastaraviation.com.
About EMS Technologies, Inc.
EMS Technologies, Inc. is a leading provider of technology solutions to wireless and satellite markets. The Company focuses on mobile information users, and increasingly on broadband applications. The Company is headquartered in Atlanta, employs approximately 1,700 people worldwide, and has manufacturing facilities in Atlanta, Montreal, Ottawa and Brazil.
The SATCOM Division of EMS Technologies, based in Ottawa, Canada, is part of EMS Technologies Canada, Ltd. The Division specializes in the design and development of satellite-based terminals and antennas for the aeronautical, land-mobile and maritime markets. For more information, visit EMS on the World Wide Web at www.ems-t.com.
Note to Editors: Visit EMS SATCOM at EBACE 2004 in Booth 7843 or at the online pressroom at www.emssatcom.com/EBACE2004
For more information, contact: Halina Sejdak-Rydel, Anne Wainscott-Sargent, Public Relations Public Relations EMS Technologies SATCOM Division EMS Technologies Office: 613.727.6277 ext. 1290 770.263.9200 ext. 4326 Cell: 613.291.9301 rydel.h@emstechnologies.ca pr@ems-t.com