£2.2 million grant from UK government
	ERA leading consortium including: Chelton Electrostatics, Thales Avionics and Chelton Radomes
	ERA researching low-cost broadband satellite antenna for aircraft

ERA Technology has received a grant from the Department of Trade and Industry under its Aeronautics Research Programme to help fund research into new communications technology for the aerospace industry.

The new technology is expected to see widespread deployment on commercial airliners and will give individual passengers access to a selection of live TV channels, the Internet, telephone links and e-mail. In addition, it is also able to provide operational communications with global coverage. Satellite communications will enhance operational management, enable airlines and controllers to keep track of aircraft, and generally improve aviation safety.

The consortium will study the application of novel antenna technology based around a unique new concept being developed by ERA. The new approach has the low profile of very expensive phased array technology but can be made at a cost similar to a mechanically steered reflector. The major disadvantage of steered reflectors is that they can cause high fuel penalties through increased drag – ERA’s new antenna technology has negligible fuel penalties.

The research programme’s objectives include deriving new and innovative configurations for the technology which overcome all the critical technical and environmental challenges associated with using it in a commercial aerospace application. The programme will last for two years. At its conclusion, ERA, Thales Avionics and Chelton Electrostatics are all intending to make products available based on the technology.

Dr Robert Pearson, head of the ERA antenna business, said: “I am delighted that we are to head up the UK consortium to develop our technology for the aerospace industry. This will take ERA into new areas, and we are very pleased to have a strong team, with complimentary skills, that will ensure a successful conclusion to this research programme.”

About ERA Technology
ERA Technology Limited works at the leading edge of many advanced technologies. The business was founded in 1920 and today provides specialist, high value added, technology-based services including design and development, testing, assessment and expert advice. ERA helps businesses resolve problems that they lack the technical expertise to do themselves; and assists business that rely on substantial infrastructures, including power generators, railways, telecoms, airports and oil refineries. ERA Technology is a Chelton Group company.
For more information visit our website at www.era.co.uk
For general enquiries e-mail: Public Relations
Business contact Dr Robert Pearson +44 (0) 1372 367129
Press contact: Public Relations +44 (0) 1372 367000

About Chelton Radomes
Chelton Radomes Limited is the European centre of excellence in high performance radomes for demanding aerospace and defence applications. Chelton offers an integrated, through life radome approach from initial design through manufacture to testing and in-service support. Projects featuring Chelton radomes include Eurofighter Typhoon, Apache AH64D and Nimrod MRA4.
For more information visit our website on www.radomes.aero
For general enquiries e-mail: sales@radomes.co.uk
Business contact Trevor Cook +44 (0) 1438 768801
Press contact Marcus Lawton +44 (0) 1438 768810

About Thales Avionics
Thales Avionics Limited has expertise in avionics prime contractorship and systems integration, airborne navigation and communications systems and aeronautical satellite communications equipment. Thales Avionics is the European leader and a world-renowned partner in avionics for cockpit and cabin, as well as electrical systems. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Thales, a world leader in professional electronics for civil and military markets. In 2002, Thales generated revenues of EUR 11 billion. Thales has over 62,000 employees worldwide, half of them outside France.
For more information visit our website on www.thales-avionics.com
Press contact John Mountfield +44 (0) 20 8971 5120

About Chelton Electrostatics
Chelton (Electrostatics) is the division within Cobham plc specialising in avionics. It has expertise in airborne, ground and space antennas, static dischargers, communications systems, microwave components and composite technology.
For more information visit our website on www.chelton.com
for general enquiries email: mkt@chelton.co.uk