Iridium Satellite LLC and Icarus Instruments, Inc. announced Tuesday the commercial availability of the SatTalk II, a satellite-based aeronautical voice and data communications system that provides aircraft crew and passengers with reliable, worldwide communications in the air and on the ground.

Ideal for operators of individual aircraft and corporate jets, the SatTalk II offers a lightweight, affordable alternative to traditional satellite-based systems that cost upward of $500,000. As a safety tool, the system works at any altitude, is accessible globally and provides secure and reliable data and voice connections.

"Previously, private pilots and owners of corporate jets were either relegated to an expensive option or to having no communications at all," said Steve Silverman, president of Icarus Instruments. "Plus, the Iridium system enables travelers to send and receive phone calls and e-mails from anywhere in the world during a flight."

All voice and data communications are transmitted from the aircraft's fixed Iridium antenna to the Iridium satellite constellation. The Motorola Satellite Series 9505 portable phone fits into a docking station within the aircraft, and can be easily removed for use on the ground. Flight crewmembers can use aviation headsets to place and receive calls while simultaneously monitoring air traffic control (ATC) communications.

ATC communications automatically override an in-progress call, placing the Iridium call on hold until the ATC communications are complete. Passengers in quiet cabins may use a lightweight headset with boom microphone or telephone handset.

"With the issues of safety and security taking center stage in the industry, our relationship with Icarus allows us to offer a reliable and affordable communications system to the corporate and private aviation sectors," said Gino Picasso, Iridium Satellite's CEO. "The SatTalk II system is one of many Iridium-based applications that meets the needs of organizations operating in areas without traditional communication systems."