PLEINFELD, Germany (September 8, 2013) – W. L. Gore & Associates' leaky feeder antennas are now delivering proven performance in a full range of aircraft — from small business jets to long-range commercial airliners. GORE™ Leaky Feeder Antennas improve signal propagation and reduce dead spots without increasing the amount of hardware required on the plane, enabling passengers to connect easily to in-flight entertainment, Internet servers, and email accounts throughout the cabin.

Lightweight GORE™ Leaky Feeder Antennas reduce equipment costs by offering a single solution that provides connectivity for a variety of electronic devices. Compatible with numerous communication standards, these antennas provide reliable access to different wireless systems including picocells for mobile phone coverage and access points for airborne Wi-Fi. They maintain consistent connectivity with excellent antenna gain and coupling loss across a broad frequency range, from 400 megahertz up to 6 gigahertz, thereby reducing the number of wireless-N access points (N-WAPs) required to ensure signal coverage. 

Because of their durable construction, GORE™ Leaky Feeder Antennas do not require any maintenance for the life of the aircraft, further reducing operating costs. Constructed with unique, engineered fluoropolymers that are inherently flame-retardant, these antennas meet Airbus ABD0031 and FAR Part 25.1359(d) specifications for flame and smoke toxicity, which ensures reliable flame protection. These materials are also resistant to abrasion and cut-through, reducing the potential for damage during installation. According to Adrian Milne, product manager for aerospace applications, GORE™ Leaky Feeder Antennas have proven to be a lightweight, cost-effective solution for today’s aerospace industry. "Today's airline passengers expect to have easy access to Internet servers, email, and in-flight entertainment while airborne, regardless of the size of the aircraft. The unique design of GORE™ Leaky Feeder Antennas enables them to be integrated easily into any size of aircraft without requiring additional equipment to support signal propagation. Unlike many of the satellite-linked phone systems, our antennas allow passengers to use their own devices to make calls, send texts, and access the Internet in flight just like they do when on the ground: simply pick up the device and start using it." 

For more information about Gore's full line of products for the aerospace industry, visit gore.com/aerospace

About W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.

Gore is a technology-driven company focused on discovery and product innovation. Well known for waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX® fabric, the company’s portfolio includes everything from high- performance fabrics and implantable medical devices to industrial manufacturing components and aerospace electronics. Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Newark, Del., Gore posts annual sales of more than $3.2 billion and employs approximately 10,000 associates with manufacturing facilities in the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan and China, and sales offices around the world. Gore is one of a select few companies to appear on all of the U.S. “100 Best Companies to Work For” lists since the rankings debuted in 1984. The company also appears regularly on similar lists around the world. Learn more at gore.com.

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