RE:RE:RE:Are Flyte's AFIRS systems on Iridium Next? "From reading the launch prospectuses and details, there is physical hardware from Flyte aero that was installed on the Legacy system before it was launched. I read nowhere that the new sats have this hardware from flyte."
Not true, Irdium was launched in the mid to late 90's, way before AFIRS. AFIRS was originally built to communicate when the aircradt landed not while in transit. AFIRS uses Irdium antenna to transmit data.
"Satellites will incorporate additional payload for
Aireon, Inc.[13] which is receiving
ADS-B data for use by
air traffic control and via
FlightAware for use by airlines."
Looks to me that Aireon is making hardware investments in the new satellite system to allow ADS-B to operate. As was stated , the new system is backward compatible.