From early 2020 Esterline Avionics Systems is due to begin deliveries of its CMC Electronics CMA-2200SB intermediate gain antenna (IGA) for the Boeing 777X airliners that have been ordered by Emirates Airlines. The ARINC 781-compliant IGA supports Cockpit Safety Service and Multi-channel SwiftBroadband Services, including Inmarsat safety services.
At around 3 kilograms the CMA-2200SB is around one-third the weight of a typical high-gain antenna or the larger IGAs. Because of its small size and weight it can be fitted without the need for an adapter plate to be installed between the fuselage and the antenna. At the same time, the antenna has been assessed by Emirates as providing sufficient Class 7 SBB data rates for cockpit use, in turn allowing the airline to benefit from the light weight and low drag offered by the installation without compromising on capability.
