What ThinKom Solutions does

ThinKom Solutions, Inc. is a Hawthorne, California-based designer and manufacturer of multi-orbit, network-agnostic phased array antennas founded in 2000. The company's core technology platform is its patented VICTS (Variable Inclination Continuous Transverse Stub) architecture, a hybrid mechanical-electronic phased array that uses magnetic induction to rotate stub discs for beam steering. This platform underpins a product portfolio organized into six families: ThinAir antennas for commercial in-flight connectivity (Ku3030, Ka2517, Ka1717, Plus, Nexus), ThinAir GT for special-mission and ISR aircraft, the Digital Array / Containerized Digital Array ground station system, ThinSpace payload antennas for satellites, ThinSat/ThinPack ground-mobile and man-portable terminals, and the Alecto high-power microwave directed energy weapon for counter-UAS. Supporting technologies include Continuous Transverse Stub (CTS), a patent-pending Ultra-Wideband design, and a Digital Beamformer for coherent multi-beam combining.

ThinKom monetizes primarily through hardware sales to enterprise and government customers, with additional licensing and technology partnerships with OEMs and integrators (including SES, NSG, RAVE Aerospace, GDC Technics, Kontron, and TCI). Go-to-market combines direct enterprise sales to defense and government buyers, OEM-embedded integration for commercial aviation (notably the Airbus HBCplus line-fit program), and channel partnerships with satellite operators and solution providers. Key commercial IFC customers include Delta, Air Canada, LATAM, Qatar Airways, Thai Airways, Riyadh Air, and Saudia; defense customers include the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Space Force/Space Systems Command, SpaceWERX, and special-mission integrators such as Sierra Nevada Corporation, Leidos, and Northrop Grumman. Marketed certifications include AS9100/ISO 9001 and SES Open Orbits Type Approval, with a deployed base cited at more than 1,000 antennas and 65+ million operating hours of field experience.

The company is privately held and founder-influenced (CTO/Co-founder Bill Milroy), with no disclosed venture or private equity institutional ownership and no public financial reporting. Recent strategic activity (2025-2026) signals a deliberate expansion from aviation connectivity into defense ground stations and HPM directed energy, supported by self-funded R&D, SBIR awards, and recent senior commercial hires such as CCO Jeff Sare.

Name

ThinKom Solutions

Legal name

ThinKom Solutions, Inc.

Website

https://thinkom.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

ThinKom Solutions designs and manufactures multi-orbit, network-agnostic VICTS phased array antennas for commercial aviation, special mission aircraft, defense ground stations, satellite payloads, land-mobile, and counter-UAS directed energy systems. Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Hawthorne, California, the company supplies major airlines, defense primes, and government agencies directly and through OEM and integrator partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Satellite Communications Antennas

NAICS

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336413), Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing (33641), Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing (334220), Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336419), Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing (33429)

SIC

Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728), Radio & Tv Broadcasting & Communications Equipment (3663), Communications Equipment, Nec (3669), Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760)

akta.pro primary industry

Avionics Communication Systems (VHF/UHF/SATCOM/Data Link) (IMABAFAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Satellite Broadband Terminals & Gateways (VSAT/LEO CPE) (HDAFAIAM), Radar Systems & Subsystems (Airborne, Ground, Naval) (IMABAGAA), Space Payloads & Instruments (Sensors, Comms, EO/IR) (IMABACAD), Special-Mission Fixed-Wing Aircraft Manufacturing (ISR, AEW&C, Patrol) (IMABAAAH), Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Electronics for Weapons (IMABAGAH)

Keywords

• Phased array antennas
• Inflight connectivity
• Satellite ground stations
• Multi-orbit satcom
• High-power microwave

Headquarters

HQ city

Hawthorne

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Hardware Sales - Aircraft Antennas: Sale of ThinAir antenna systems for commercial and business aviation, including Ku-band and Ka-band variants for mainline fleets, regional jets, and special mission aircraft.
2. Ground Station Systems: Sale of mobile, portable, and fixed ground station antenna systems using Digital Array technology for defense and enterprise customers.
3. HPM Defense Systems: Sale of Alecto mobile High-Power Microwave systems for Counter-UAS and Integrated Air and Missile Defense applications to Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security.
4. Space Payload Antennas: Sale of compact payload antennas for satellites including intersatellite links, small satellites, GEO communications, and space vehicles.
5. Land Mobile Solutions: Sale of ThinSat and ThinPack antenna systems for communications-on-the-move applications on vehicles and man-portable configurations.
6. Licensing and Technology Partnerships: Technology licensing and integration partnerships with OEMs and solution providers like SES, RAVE Aerospace, and others for multi-orbit connectivity solutions.

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

ThinKom Solutions designs and manufactures multi-orbit, network-agnostic phased array antennas for commercial aviation inflight connectivity, special-mission military aircraft, satellite ground stations, space payloads, land-mobile/portable satcom, and High-Power Microwave directed energy weapons. Its products are built on the proprietary VICTS (Variable Inclination Continuous Transverse Stub) technology platform and sold to airlines, defense agencies, OEMs, and integrators worldwide.

Product overview

ThinKom Solutions is a leading provider of multi-orbit, phased array antennas for the entire satcom ecosystem. The product portfolio is organized around the proprietary VICTS (Variable Inclinement Continuous Transverse Stub) technology platform, which is a mechanically steered phased array combining the efficiency of mechanically steered and electronically scanned arrays. The core products span multiple segments: Commercial IFC includes ThinAir Ku3030, Ka2517, and Ka1717 antennas for in-flight connectivity on commercial aircraft; Special Mission Aero includes ThinAir GT for ISR aircraft; Ground Stations include Digital Array/Containerized Digital Array for fixed and mobile ground entry points; Space includes ThinSpace payload antennas for satellites; Ground includes ThinSat and ThinPack for mobile and portable satcom; and High Power Microwave includes the Alecto system for C-UAS defense. Supporting technologies include CTS, Ultra-Wideband, and Digital Beamformer.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ThinAir: Product line of multi-orbit, network-agnostic antennas for commercial aviation, including ThinAir Ku3030, ThinAir Ka2517, ThinAir GT, and ThinAir Nexus variants.
• ThinSat
• ThinPack
• Alecto
• VICTS
• ThinWave
• ThinSpace

Products and services

• ThinAir Ku3030 Ku-band phased array antenna for commercial aviation, branded as 2Ku by Intelsat, delivering high-speed in-flight connectivity with over 40 million operating hours of proven reliability. Used by airlines including Delta, Air Canada, LATAM, and Qatar Airways.
• ThinAir Ka2517 Ka-band phased array antenna for commercial and business aviation with multi-orbit (LEO, MEO, GEO, HEO) capability and independent transmit/receive beams for simultaneous satellite use. Used by Saudia, Riyadh Air, Turkish Airlines/AJet, Thai Airways, and Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton.
• ThinAir Ka1717 Ka-band phased array antenna designed specifically for regional jets, bringing high-speed in-flight connectivity to smaller aircraft types.
• ThinAir GT Expanded line of aero antennas for special mission aircraft, providing extended performance across multiple form factors and frequency bands for reliable, efficient communications on ISR aircraft. Integrated on Sierra Nevada Corporation's RAPCON-X for A-ISR programs.
• ThinAir GT Plus Hybrid satcom system delivering simultaneous multi-beam, multi-band, multi-orbit connectivity in a compact package for defense markets.
• ThinAir Plus Modular antenna architecture combining two separate antennas in a single installation, allowing airlines and integrators full flexibility for multi-constellation connectivity, integrated with Quvia's AI-powered Grid network management software.
• Digital Array / Containerized Digital Array Modular phased-array antenna system for ground stations, digitally combining independently controlled antennas into compact, highly efficient arrays. The Containerized variant provides transportable ground entry points for rapid deployment and won the U.S. Space Systems Command 'Fight Tonight' competition.
• Mobile Ground Stations Mobile digital-array-based ground stations with rapid beam agility and dynamic make-before-break satellite handoffs for Comms On-The-Move applications.
• ThinSat 300 High-speed satcom antenna for comms-on-the-move vehicle applications. Network-agnostic, high-throughput terminal compatible with wide-beam and HTS Ku-band services.
• ThinPack Man-portable satcom antennas available in X, Ku, and Ka bands for portable ground applications.
• ThinSpace Space Payload Antennas Compact VICTS-based payload phased-array antennas for space environments, with low power consumption (less than 10W for beam steering), lightweight design, high efficiency, and customizable configurations for intersatellite links, small satellites, GEO communications, and space vehicles.
• Alecto High-Power Microwave (HPM) System Mobile High-Power Microwave (HPM) directed energy weapon system for Counter-UAS defense. Combines VICTS phased array technology with high-output vacuum electronics to deliver exceptional power density in a compact, low-SWaP package with fire-on-the-move capability against drone swarms. Targeted at Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security Counter-UAS requirements.

Quantifiable outcome

• 65+ million operating hours on thousands of installed aircraft with proven reliability
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers16 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

AI capability2 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• Neo Space Group (NSG)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 May 2026ThinKom's ThinAir Ka2517 antenna powers NSG's multi-orbit IFC solution for Saudia and Riyadh Air. Partnership expands NSG's international footprint with flight-proven, low-drag hardware delivering high-speed, multi-constellation connectivity.
• RAVE AerospacecoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 15 April 2026Integration partner leading efforts for SES Type Approval of ThinAir Ka2517. RAVE's ModMan with dual modem capabilities supports Taurus HB and Jupiter 3 waveforms for GEO and MEO constellation operations. Configuration used for Airbus HBCplus deployments.
• KSAT (Kongsberg Satellite Services)majorTechnology or Integration · 23 September 2025Partnership to develop innovative receive-only ground station solution for earth observation. Goal to improve network capacity and operational efficiency using ThinKom's antenna technology.
• QuviamajorTechnology or Integration · 8 April 2025Strategic partnership integrating ThinKom's ThinAir Plus satellite antenna hardware with Quvia's AI-powered Grid network management software. Enables airlines to simultaneously utilize multiple satellite constellations with full visibility and control over connectivity performance and costs.
• SEScoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 March 2024Multi-orbit service collaboration enabling ThinKom's Ka-band terminals to access SES's satellites in MEO and GEO orbits. SES Open Orbits network certification achieved for ThinAir Ka2517 antenna. More than 150 aircraft deployed or committed through Airbus HBCplus program.
• AirbuscoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerAirbus HBCplus program utilizes ThinKom antenna technology for factory line-fit connectivity on aircraft delivered from manufacturer.
• BoeingcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerPartnership for demonstration of high throughput SATCOM using ThinAir GT 2517 antenna with advanced modem hardware.
• Amazon (Kuiper)majorTechnology or IntegrationThinKom antennas certified and compatible with Amazon Kuiper LEO satellite network.
• TelesatmajorTechnology or IntegrationMulti-year agreement to certify ThinAir Ka2517 for Telesat Lightspeed Ka-band LEO satellite network. Partnership for enterprise user terminal development.
• IntelsatcoreTechnology or IntegrationThinKom's Ku3030 antenna branded as 2Ku by Intelsat. Powers Intelsat's 2Ku connectivity solution deployed on major airlines globally.
• ViasatmajorTechnology or IntegrationThinKom antennas compatible with Viasat's GEO satellite networks including GX services.
• Hughes Network SystemsmajorTechnology or IntegrationPartnership for multi-orbit connectivity solutions. ThinKom terminals compatible with Hughes networks.
• Sierra Nevada CorporationcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerThinKom's ThinAir GT 2517 integrated on SNC's RAPCON-X aircraft for A-ISR programs serving DoD and international partners.
• LeidoscoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerThinKom delivered ThinAir Ka2517 for installation on Leidos high-accuracy electronic intelligence aircraft for U.S. Army.
• Northrop GrummanmajorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerThinAir Ka2517 specified for MQ-4C Triton flying test bed for beyond-line-of-sight connectivity.
• Lockheed MartinmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as industry partner; potential for strategic collaboration on defense programs.
• L3Harris TechnologiesmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as industry partner in ThinKom's partner ecosystem.
• General DynamicsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as industry partner with pilot program for U.S. Army Armored Brigade Combat Teams.
• KontronmajorTechnology or IntegrationPartnership delivering exceptional network flexibility with Kontron's AF4783 dual modem MODMAN integrated with ThinKom's Ka2517 antenna.
• TCI (Aircraft Interiors)majorTechnology or IntegrationTCI's multi-orbit capable Ka-band IFC system includes ThinKom's Ka2517 terminal, deployed on Turkish airline AJet.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Raytheon (RTX): Raytheon is a major defense prime operating across radar, electronic warfare, and directed energy. Highly relevant as ThinKom enters the HPM directed energy market where Raytheon is an established player.
• Ball Aerospace (BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems): Ball Aerospace (now part of BAE Systems) is a large incumbent in defense electronics, satellite payloads, and antennas. Overlaps with ThinKom in space payload antennas and defense satcom ground/special-mission markets as a much larger prime contractor.
• Collins Aerospace (RTX): Collins Aerospace manufactures avionics, communications, and aircraft electronics systems for commercial and military aviation. Competes broadly with ThinKom in airborne satcom terminals and defense connectivity solutions.
• L3Harris Technologies: L3Harris is a major defense prime with broad satcom, avionics, and electronic systems portfolios. Listed as a ThinKom industry partner, and competes in the same defense satcom and special-mission markets as a much larger incumbent.
• Honeywell Aerospace: Honeywell provides avionics, satellite communications, and connectivity hardware for commercial and business aviation. A broad incumbent overlapping with ThinKom in aircraft satcom antennas and IFC ecosystem.

Direct peers

• Tecom Industries: Tecom Industries produces airborne satellite communication antennas and is a direct integration partner for ThinKom (TCI integrates the Ka2517 onto AJet). Comparable in product scope for IFC antennas and serves similar airline integrator customers.
• Get SAT: Get SAT manufactures flat-panel satellite communication antennas for airborne, maritime, and land-mobile applications. Directly comparable to ThinKom's ThinSat, ThinPack, and ThinAir product lines serving similar end markets.
• Kymeta: Kymeta develops flat-panel, electronically steered satellite antennas for mobile applications including commercial aviation, defense, and land mobile. Direct competitor to ThinKom in the IFC and land-mobile satcom terminal market, with overlapping customer profiles in commercial aviation and government.
• Hanwha Phasor (formerly Phasor Solutions): Phasor/Hanwha Phasor produces phased-array antennas for satellite communications in mobility markets including commercial IFC and government. Competes directly with ThinKom's VICTS-based antennas in the enterprise aero and land-mobile satcom segments.

Emerging players

• Epirus: Epirus develops high-power microwave counter-electronic and C-UAS systems using phased-array technology. A direct emerging competitor to ThinKom's Alecto HPM product in the directed energy counter-drone market.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/ThinKom1
• Facebookfacebook.com/thinkomsolutions
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/thinkom-solutions-inc-
• Xx.com/ThinKom_Inc

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about ThinKom Solutions