Iridium Communications Inc. and Boeing Co. have inked a deal that will keep the aerospace giant serving as Iridium’s network operations and support.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed, but it extends a 10-year-old agreement between Boeing and Iridium that had Boeing operating the network of 66-satellite constellation that provide global communications.
The new agreement, which will release about $15 million in restricted cash and save Iridium money, extends to the Iridium NEXT system, which will replace the current satellites likely starting in 2015.
Much of the work for the McLean, Va.-based Iridium is done in the Valley, including Boeing’s operations. Iridium’s CEO said it is important to get the agreement extended so Boeing could continue to work with the project.
jueves, 22 de julio de 2010
Globecomm Subsidiary Awarded IT Support Services Agreement to Support USAID
Cachendo, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Globecomm Systems, has been awarded a one-year information technology support services agreement to support the U.S. Agency for International Development, valued at up to $9 million. Cachendo is a subcontractor to Catapult Technology, Ltd. under the terms set forth in the contract. The agreement includes options, which if exercised would bring the total contract value up to $44.2 million over 5 years.
The U.S. Agency for International Development administers the U.S. foreign assistance program providing economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 80 countries worldwide.
Officials with Globecomm said that pursuant to the terms set forth in the contract, Cachendo will provide IT support services relating to website domains plus deployable IT support for Disaster Assistance Response Teams.
According to company officials, this includes program management, operations and maintenance, systems development, communications and field operations support, IT equipment procurement, maintenance, storage, distribution and network connectivity.
“We are excited that USAID selected our team,” said Bob DeLuca, president of Cachendo, in a statement. “We are looking forward to performing our duties to help execute critical humanitarian missions.”
Based in the Netherlands, C2C provides satellite services across Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Asia, and maritime services in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, Gulf of Mexico and the Indian Ocean regions through its robust teleport facility located in Biddinghuizen, Netherlands. Evocomm’s wholly owned subsidiary, Evosat SA Pty Ltd, is headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa and maintains an office in Johannesburg. Evosat and Evocomm primarily provide Inmarsat (News - Alert) land-based BGAN and maritime-based Fleet Broadband services, along with mobile communications through C2C.
The U.S. Agency for International Development administers the U.S. foreign assistance program providing economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 80 countries worldwide.
Officials with Globecomm said that pursuant to the terms set forth in the contract, Cachendo will provide IT support services relating to website domains plus deployable IT support for Disaster Assistance Response Teams.
According to company officials, this includes program management, operations and maintenance, systems development, communications and field operations support, IT equipment procurement, maintenance, storage, distribution and network connectivity.
“We are excited that USAID selected our team,” said Bob DeLuca, president of Cachendo, in a statement. “We are looking forward to performing our duties to help execute critical humanitarian missions.”
Based in the Netherlands, C2C provides satellite services across Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Asia, and maritime services in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, Gulf of Mexico and the Indian Ocean regions through its robust teleport facility located in Biddinghuizen, Netherlands. Evocomm’s wholly owned subsidiary, Evosat SA Pty Ltd, is headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa and maintains an office in Johannesburg. Evosat and Evocomm primarily provide Inmarsat (News - Alert) land-based BGAN and maritime-based Fleet Broadband services, along with mobile communications through C2C.
KEYON AND ALVARION® LAUNCH 4G WIRELESS NETWORK IN SOUTHERN NEVADA
KeyOn Communications Holdings, Inc., one of the largest providers of wireless broadband, satellite video and voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) services in the United States, and Alvarion Ltd. the world’s leading provider of 4G networks in the Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) market announced today that they have deployed a next-generation, 4G wireless data network in Pahrump, Nevada using Alvarion’s BreezeMAX® Extreme WiMAX gear in the 3.65 GHz spectrum band where KeyOn holds a nationwide, non-exclusive license.
Jonathan Snyder, Chief Executive Officer for KeyOn Communications said: “Our customers are increasingly looking for more services from us, including a bundled VoIP product and higher data rates. One of the primary goals of the 3.65 GHz band was to facilitate serving rural markets with a wider array of advanced wireless services. It is a band that has a large swath of spectrum, a favorable regulatory regime and a growing eco-system of 4G gear. Broadening our service offering and building on existing network footprint, which includes 5 newly acquired businesses in the past 6 months, KeyOn is delighted to break new ground in advancing the potential for WiMAX deployment in this spectrum.”
“There is a great demand for broadband services throughout US especially in rural and underserved areas. We are excited to partner with KeyOn to bring new 4G services to Pahrump, Nevada,” said Eran Gorev, president and CEO of Alvarion. “Our industry leading solution provides an optimized business case at 3.65 GHz frequency band while enabling quality broadband services.”
Jonathan Snyder continued, “We believe that Alvarion offers the industry’s most complete and technologically advanced range of WiMAX products in the 3.65 GHz band that enable superb connection speed and voice quality. In addition, with future upgrades, the network platform also enables nomadic broadband wireless services.”
KeyOn has deployed Alvarion’s BreezeMAX Extreme gear providing coverage to over 15,000 households in Pahrump, Nevada, a town 60 miles west of Las Vegas. KeyOn has already begun marketing the services to its customers, augmenting its product service that currently includes fixed wireless data and satellite video services. In connection with this deployment, KeyOn is offering VoIP services on the 3.65 GHz WiMAX platform to provide an integrated voice and data solution to its customers.
KeyOn intends to roll-out 4G markets as an overlay in existing markets and in new markets in connection with its applications under the broadband portions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. KeyOn has applied for $374 million in the second round of the Broadband Initiatives Program under the Rural Utilities Service and the Department of Agriculture.
Jonathan Snyder, Chief Executive Officer for KeyOn Communications said: “Our customers are increasingly looking for more services from us, including a bundled VoIP product and higher data rates. One of the primary goals of the 3.65 GHz band was to facilitate serving rural markets with a wider array of advanced wireless services. It is a band that has a large swath of spectrum, a favorable regulatory regime and a growing eco-system of 4G gear. Broadening our service offering and building on existing network footprint, which includes 5 newly acquired businesses in the past 6 months, KeyOn is delighted to break new ground in advancing the potential for WiMAX deployment in this spectrum.”
“There is a great demand for broadband services throughout US especially in rural and underserved areas. We are excited to partner with KeyOn to bring new 4G services to Pahrump, Nevada,” said Eran Gorev, president and CEO of Alvarion. “Our industry leading solution provides an optimized business case at 3.65 GHz frequency band while enabling quality broadband services.”
Jonathan Snyder continued, “We believe that Alvarion offers the industry’s most complete and technologically advanced range of WiMAX products in the 3.65 GHz band that enable superb connection speed and voice quality. In addition, with future upgrades, the network platform also enables nomadic broadband wireless services.”
KeyOn has deployed Alvarion’s BreezeMAX Extreme gear providing coverage to over 15,000 households in Pahrump, Nevada, a town 60 miles west of Las Vegas. KeyOn has already begun marketing the services to its customers, augmenting its product service that currently includes fixed wireless data and satellite video services. In connection with this deployment, KeyOn is offering VoIP services on the 3.65 GHz WiMAX platform to provide an integrated voice and data solution to its customers.
KeyOn intends to roll-out 4G markets as an overlay in existing markets and in new markets in connection with its applications under the broadband portions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. KeyOn has applied for $374 million in the second round of the Broadband Initiatives Program under the Rural Utilities Service and the Department of Agriculture.
Cisco's Space Router Improves Performance and Enhances Operational Efficiency of Dept. of Defense Demonstration
Cisco announced that its Internet Routing in Space (IRIS) technology has achieved another major milestone with the successful completion of in-orbit testing for the United States Department of Defense. The first-ever deployment of an Internet Protocol (IP) router aboard a commercial satellite, this milestone represents another step in IRIS' viability as a next-generation resource for the military and commercial satellite communications.
The IRIS router supports network services for voice, video and data communications, helping enable government agencies, military units and allied forces to communicate with one another using IP and existing ground equipment. This offers several enhancements over conventional satellite technology and eliminates the need to send data to and from an extra ground station, which can be expensive and time-consuming. IRIS was launched on Intelsat's IS-14 satellite on Nov. 23, 2009.
Demonstration Facts: IRIS is a program to build a radiation-tolerant IP router for satellite and related spacecraft.
The IRIS Joint Capability Technology Demonstration (JCTD) is a Department of Defense (DoD) demonstration program managed by a Cisco-led Industry Management Team that included Intelsat General. It is the first commercially-sponsored JCTD and represents a new model for closer collaboration between government and industry.
During the JCTD evaluation, IRIS services were tested by US DoD and global governmental users in real-world scenarios, both on land and at sea. In each instance, IRIS was able to provide on-demand connectivity and enhance the mission effectiveness of these users. The JCTD evaluation also featured real-time collaboration applications over satellite including virtual private networks and video and file transfers.
Proven outcomes of the IRIS JCTD included: High availability: 99.95% router availability during the IRIS JCTD provided the foundation for mission critical operations.
Seamless, high performance global IP communications: Applications including voice over IP and video and file transfers performed equally well regardless of terminal location, demonstrating communications performance equal to traditional, land-based networks.
Secure, flexible IP Virtual Private Networks: In support of mission and connectivity requirements that change in real-time, two discreet VPN networks were continuously maintained via the IRIS platform which ensured uninterrupted, highly secure communications.
Enhanced, real-time operations collaboration: IRIS provided real-time chat/voice and web portal services that were quickly and easily accessible from any terminal, ensuring fast and effective coordination and communications in response to events and conditions.
Following this JCTD completion, the IRIS payload is undergoing extended commercial and government testing for up to 12 months to demonstrate its viability for additional applications for the at-large satellite networking ecosystem.
The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) will be offering IRIS services to its Dept. of Defense programs later in the year for additional testing in various scenarios.
About IRIS IRIS offers several enhancements over conventional satellite technology. With IRIS, users will be able to experience a true mobile network - one that helps enable them to connect and communicate how, when and where they want, and that continuously adapts to their needs without a reliance on predefined, fixed infrastructure.
The elimination of the double-hop and shorter radio frequency path with IRIS also increases transponder utilization. The software on the IRIS router and onboard modem can be upgraded in orbit, which increases flexibility and the return on investment. IRIS runs Cisco IOSTM (Internetworking Operating System) software. IRIS leverages billions of dollars in Cisco IOS R&D and integrates seamlessly with Cisco ground routers, creating a converged, multiservice space and ground network.
IRIS extends the Internet into Space as it can directly exchange routing updates with Cisco ground routers, which increases the flexibility of the satellite network.
Cisco is working with satellite manufacturers, system integrators and end users to help enable them to deliver services globally to points outside traditional ground-based networks.
Intelsat, the world's leading provider of satellite services, operates the IS-14 satellite carrying the IRIS hosted payload.
The IRIS router supports network services for voice, video and data communications, helping enable government agencies, military units and allied forces to communicate with one another using IP and existing ground equipment. This offers several enhancements over conventional satellite technology and eliminates the need to send data to and from an extra ground station, which can be expensive and time-consuming. IRIS was launched on Intelsat's IS-14 satellite on Nov. 23, 2009.
Demonstration Facts: IRIS is a program to build a radiation-tolerant IP router for satellite and related spacecraft.
The IRIS Joint Capability Technology Demonstration (JCTD) is a Department of Defense (DoD) demonstration program managed by a Cisco-led Industry Management Team that included Intelsat General. It is the first commercially-sponsored JCTD and represents a new model for closer collaboration between government and industry.
During the JCTD evaluation, IRIS services were tested by US DoD and global governmental users in real-world scenarios, both on land and at sea. In each instance, IRIS was able to provide on-demand connectivity and enhance the mission effectiveness of these users. The JCTD evaluation also featured real-time collaboration applications over satellite including virtual private networks and video and file transfers.
Proven outcomes of the IRIS JCTD included: High availability: 99.95% router availability during the IRIS JCTD provided the foundation for mission critical operations.
Seamless, high performance global IP communications: Applications including voice over IP and video and file transfers performed equally well regardless of terminal location, demonstrating communications performance equal to traditional, land-based networks.
Secure, flexible IP Virtual Private Networks: In support of mission and connectivity requirements that change in real-time, two discreet VPN networks were continuously maintained via the IRIS platform which ensured uninterrupted, highly secure communications.
Enhanced, real-time operations collaboration: IRIS provided real-time chat/voice and web portal services that were quickly and easily accessible from any terminal, ensuring fast and effective coordination and communications in response to events and conditions.
Following this JCTD completion, the IRIS payload is undergoing extended commercial and government testing for up to 12 months to demonstrate its viability for additional applications for the at-large satellite networking ecosystem.
The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) will be offering IRIS services to its Dept. of Defense programs later in the year for additional testing in various scenarios.
About IRIS IRIS offers several enhancements over conventional satellite technology. With IRIS, users will be able to experience a true mobile network - one that helps enable them to connect and communicate how, when and where they want, and that continuously adapts to their needs without a reliance on predefined, fixed infrastructure.
The elimination of the double-hop and shorter radio frequency path with IRIS also increases transponder utilization. The software on the IRIS router and onboard modem can be upgraded in orbit, which increases flexibility and the return on investment. IRIS runs Cisco IOSTM (Internetworking Operating System) software. IRIS leverages billions of dollars in Cisco IOS R&D and integrates seamlessly with Cisco ground routers, creating a converged, multiservice space and ground network.
IRIS extends the Internet into Space as it can directly exchange routing updates with Cisco ground routers, which increases the flexibility of the satellite network.
Cisco is working with satellite manufacturers, system integrators and end users to help enable them to deliver services globally to points outside traditional ground-based networks.
Intelsat, the world's leading provider of satellite services, operates the IS-14 satellite carrying the IRIS hosted payload.
SES ASTRA Adds Hungary to the ASTRA2Connect Distribution Map
SES ASTRA, an SES company, announced that it has signed an agreement with the Hungarian IT services provider RG Networks to market its satellite-based broadband service ASTRA2Connect to business and private customers in Hungary.
RG Networks is a subsidiary of the Hungarian IT specialist RG Hungary, and provides wireless data transmission technologies. By adding ASTRA2Connect to its services portfolio, the company will improve the availability of its services all over Hungary. RG Networks will market ASTRA2Connect under the brand name vannet. Starting today, the service will be marketed to business customers directly and to the residential market via local resellers.
“With RG Networks, we have found a perfect partner to market ASTRA2Connect in Hungary,” said Norbert Willems, Managing Director of ASTRA Broadband Services, SES ASTRA’s broadband subsidiary. “We are very proud that our technology is so successful in and outside Europe. Low-cost satellite broadband connections are becoming increasingly important, not only for residential users, but also for businesses in rural areas. It is fantastic to see RG Networks contribute to bridging the digital divide in Hungary.”
Szabolcs Lengvarszky, Chief Operating Officer of RG Networks siad: “We are very happy to be able to offer customers in rural Hungary such a perfect solution. The technology has an enormous potential for customers outside metropolitan areas. We are confident that business customers who have to rely on stable wireless connections will also be convinced by the ASTRA2Connect technology.”
ASTRA2Connect now has more than 60,000 end-users, thereby representing the largest satellite-based broadband network in Europe. Offering always-on and interactive broadband internet access for flat service fees, ASTRA2Connect is immediately available anywhere within the footprint of the satellite. ASTRA2Connect is marketed via wholesalers and internet service providers to the residential, industrial and maritime markets in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
SES ASTRA is the leading Direct-to-Home (DTH) satellite system in Europe. The satellite fleet currently comprises 16 satellites. The ASTRA satellite system delivers services to more than 125 million DTH and cable households and transmits more than 2,600 analogue and digital television and radio channels. SES ASTRA also provides satellite-based multimedia, internet and telecommunication services to enterprises, governments and their agencies. With more than 130 High Definition (HD) channels on its main orbital positions, ASTRA represents the most important HDTV platform for Europe's leading broadcasters. The prime orbital positions for ASTRA are 19.2° East, 28.2° East, 23.5° East, 5° East and 31.5° East.
RG Networks is a subsidiary of the Hungarian IT specialist RG Hungary, and provides wireless data transmission technologies. By adding ASTRA2Connect to its services portfolio, the company will improve the availability of its services all over Hungary. RG Networks will market ASTRA2Connect under the brand name vannet. Starting today, the service will be marketed to business customers directly and to the residential market via local resellers.
“With RG Networks, we have found a perfect partner to market ASTRA2Connect in Hungary,” said Norbert Willems, Managing Director of ASTRA Broadband Services, SES ASTRA’s broadband subsidiary. “We are very proud that our technology is so successful in and outside Europe. Low-cost satellite broadband connections are becoming increasingly important, not only for residential users, but also for businesses in rural areas. It is fantastic to see RG Networks contribute to bridging the digital divide in Hungary.”
Szabolcs Lengvarszky, Chief Operating Officer of RG Networks siad: “We are very happy to be able to offer customers in rural Hungary such a perfect solution. The technology has an enormous potential for customers outside metropolitan areas. We are confident that business customers who have to rely on stable wireless connections will also be convinced by the ASTRA2Connect technology.”
ASTRA2Connect now has more than 60,000 end-users, thereby representing the largest satellite-based broadband network in Europe. Offering always-on and interactive broadband internet access for flat service fees, ASTRA2Connect is immediately available anywhere within the footprint of the satellite. ASTRA2Connect is marketed via wholesalers and internet service providers to the residential, industrial and maritime markets in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
SES ASTRA is the leading Direct-to-Home (DTH) satellite system in Europe. The satellite fleet currently comprises 16 satellites. The ASTRA satellite system delivers services to more than 125 million DTH and cable households and transmits more than 2,600 analogue and digital television and radio channels. SES ASTRA also provides satellite-based multimedia, internet and telecommunication services to enterprises, governments and their agencies. With more than 130 High Definition (HD) channels on its main orbital positions, ASTRA represents the most important HDTV platform for Europe's leading broadcasters. The prime orbital positions for ASTRA are 19.2° East, 28.2° East, 23.5° East, 5° East and 31.5° East.
iPhones, commercial satellites prominent in joint DOD exercise
A recent U.S. Defense Department interoperability exercise connected participants across the United States and Europe via commercially available satellite terminals. The annual Joint User Interoperability Communications Exercise (JUICE), which wrapped up last week, involved all of the U.S. military services, allied partners, industry and academia working together in a series of scenarios that stressed information sharing and getting the most out of existing equipment and technologies.
This year’s event focused on hybrid communications in complex environments, said John Caruso, chief of the Executive Agent for Theater Joint Tactical Networks, Fort Monmouth, N.J. JUICE participants examined the alternate uses for a variety of devices. For example, Apple iPhones were tied into the global satellite network. Caruso said that the phone’s Global Positioning System capability essentially turned the device into a handheld Blue Force Tracker, the military term for a GPS-enabled device that provides information on troop positions.
“What we tried to show is that there is technology out there and we may not be using it to the full extent that it’s capable of,” he said.
Another part of the exercise involved the implementation of a complete joint network operations center based on a new construct. Caruso said the idea was to validate the center by defining personnel roles and executing the operational plan behind the center’s concept.
Caruso noted that the current military document outlining the deployment of joint network operations centers is nearly 15 years old. The new architecture updates and changes the old system. The new construct also considers the management of voice and data communications, information assurance and network defense. “We identified 24 25 positions in it, and developed their roles and responsibilities,” he said. For example, if an information assurance officers detect an event, the new plan works out who they report to and how this information moves up the chain of command.
Satellite communications for JUICE was provided by iDirect Government Technologies, which used Panther terminals from L-3 Communications to provide communications on the move. Caruso described the Panther as a small, portable satellite terminal that is useful for a variety of battlefield communications applications. “It’s a very easy terminal to use, especially when coupled with an iDirect modem tied into a hub,” he said.
Although the Panther terminal does not have the bandwidth to support an entire joint task force, it can provide rapid connectivity for forward operating bases or forces operating in the field. Karl Fuchs, iGT’s vice president of engineering added that the terminals have been forward deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan and other locations.
Network security and information assurance were another important part of JUICE. Fuchs observed that the U.S. military has stressed to the commercial sector its need to have security features built into new products and technologies. “It’s not really sexy to demo—not nearly as cool as paratroopers jumping out of airplanes. But nonetheless it’ incredibly important,” he said.
This year’s event focused on hybrid communications in complex environments, said John Caruso, chief of the Executive Agent for Theater Joint Tactical Networks, Fort Monmouth, N.J. JUICE participants examined the alternate uses for a variety of devices. For example, Apple iPhones were tied into the global satellite network. Caruso said that the phone’s Global Positioning System capability essentially turned the device into a handheld Blue Force Tracker, the military term for a GPS-enabled device that provides information on troop positions.
“What we tried to show is that there is technology out there and we may not be using it to the full extent that it’s capable of,” he said.
Another part of the exercise involved the implementation of a complete joint network operations center based on a new construct. Caruso said the idea was to validate the center by defining personnel roles and executing the operational plan behind the center’s concept.
Caruso noted that the current military document outlining the deployment of joint network operations centers is nearly 15 years old. The new architecture updates and changes the old system. The new construct also considers the management of voice and data communications, information assurance and network defense. “We identified 24 25 positions in it, and developed their roles and responsibilities,” he said. For example, if an information assurance officers detect an event, the new plan works out who they report to and how this information moves up the chain of command.
Satellite communications for JUICE was provided by iDirect Government Technologies, which used Panther terminals from L-3 Communications to provide communications on the move. Caruso described the Panther as a small, portable satellite terminal that is useful for a variety of battlefield communications applications. “It’s a very easy terminal to use, especially when coupled with an iDirect modem tied into a hub,” he said.
Although the Panther terminal does not have the bandwidth to support an entire joint task force, it can provide rapid connectivity for forward operating bases or forces operating in the field. Karl Fuchs, iGT’s vice president of engineering added that the terminals have been forward deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan and other locations.
Network security and information assurance were another important part of JUICE. Fuchs observed that the U.S. military has stressed to the commercial sector its need to have security features built into new products and technologies. “It’s not really sexy to demo—not nearly as cool as paratroopers jumping out of airplanes. But nonetheless it’ incredibly important,” he said.
Compatible with all types of aircraft, including UAVs
Astrium has launched an innovative airborne terminal – AirPatrol – designed to provide end users with a light-weight, high performance communications module capable of operating in the most demanding conditions.
Developed by Astrium Services’ Secure Satcom Systems, which has over 25 years of experience in the design, manufacture, installation and maintenance of advanced satcom terminals, AirPatrol is compatible with all types of aircraft, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The terminal incorporates carbon composite materials into the antenna design. The use of carbon composites permit a higher level of radio frequency (RF) path integration, resulting in improved performance when compared with standard aluminium antennas; exceptional 20Mbps data rates have been demonstrated at X-band, using the standard 60cm dish, in some cases providing at least three times the capacity of a standard antenna.
AirPatrol has been developed in response to the growing demand from military and other customers who are increasingly reliant on the secure transmission of video, multispectral and radar imagery, particularly from UAVs. AirPatrol’s capacity to transmit large volumes of data ensures that it is possible to stream live images from UAV reconnaissance missions directly to ground based receivers.
The light-weight design of the terminal, made possible with the use of composite materials, means that AirPatrol can be much more easily integrated onto a variety of aircraft than its heavier alloy alternatives. A typical configuration of AirPatrol weighs just 16kg, ensuring that the terminal has a minimum impact on an aircraft’s overall flight performance.
With the capability to operate over Ku, Ka and X bands, AirPatrol can be configured to operate as a communications platform for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR), or as dual communications and control system providing beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) control for the user.
AirPatrol benefits from an advanced stabilisation system that is designed to handle complex airborne manoeuvres, so that the antenna always remains accurately pointed to maintain a secure communication link at all times.
The flexibility of AirPatrol also provides the opportunity to support civil applications, such as coastguard patrols, emergency and rescue services and policing international borders.
AirPatrol is the latest example of Astrium’s position as the leading European supplier of dual use and high-security satellite communications equipment and networks, with decades of experience in the design, manufacture and test of hardened spacecraft and high-technology secure communications systems.
Astrium Services’ Secure Satcom Systems provides a full range of land, air and naval terminals including the renowned family of SCOT terminals that have been procured by 11 navies worldwide and have provided 24/7 connectivity in all weather conditions to over 200 ships worldwide.
Developed by Astrium Services’ Secure Satcom Systems, which has over 25 years of experience in the design, manufacture, installation and maintenance of advanced satcom terminals, AirPatrol is compatible with all types of aircraft, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The terminal incorporates carbon composite materials into the antenna design. The use of carbon composites permit a higher level of radio frequency (RF) path integration, resulting in improved performance when compared with standard aluminium antennas; exceptional 20Mbps data rates have been demonstrated at X-band, using the standard 60cm dish, in some cases providing at least three times the capacity of a standard antenna.
AirPatrol has been developed in response to the growing demand from military and other customers who are increasingly reliant on the secure transmission of video, multispectral and radar imagery, particularly from UAVs. AirPatrol’s capacity to transmit large volumes of data ensures that it is possible to stream live images from UAV reconnaissance missions directly to ground based receivers.
The light-weight design of the terminal, made possible with the use of composite materials, means that AirPatrol can be much more easily integrated onto a variety of aircraft than its heavier alloy alternatives. A typical configuration of AirPatrol weighs just 16kg, ensuring that the terminal has a minimum impact on an aircraft’s overall flight performance.
With the capability to operate over Ku, Ka and X bands, AirPatrol can be configured to operate as a communications platform for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR), or as dual communications and control system providing beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) control for the user.
AirPatrol benefits from an advanced stabilisation system that is designed to handle complex airborne manoeuvres, so that the antenna always remains accurately pointed to maintain a secure communication link at all times.
The flexibility of AirPatrol also provides the opportunity to support civil applications, such as coastguard patrols, emergency and rescue services and policing international borders.
AirPatrol is the latest example of Astrium’s position as the leading European supplier of dual use and high-security satellite communications equipment and networks, with decades of experience in the design, manufacture and test of hardened spacecraft and high-technology secure communications systems.
Astrium Services’ Secure Satcom Systems provides a full range of land, air and naval terminals including the renowned family of SCOT terminals that have been procured by 11 navies worldwide and have provided 24/7 connectivity in all weather conditions to over 200 ships worldwide.
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