New UAV Satcom Terminal Operates on Inmarsat Global Xpress Network

Published: 20 Mar 2019 | Author: Mike Rees

Orbit Communication Systems Ltd., a provider of airborne communications and satellite-tracking maritime and ground-station solutions, and Inmarsat Government, a developer of global mobile satellite communications and managed network services to the U.S. government, have announced a long-term agreement to offer end-users a new modular, multi-role aviation terminal, optimized for use over Inmarsat’s Global Xpress (GX) network. The new terminal is designed for both unmanned aeral vehicles (UAVs) and manned aircraft.

The new terminal will operate over Inmarsat’s GX constellation, the world’s first and only globally available, high-throughput wideband network. It will deliver Inmarsat’s ‘SATCOM as a Service’, featuring commercial Ka-band and military Ka-band capabilities, which are fully interoperable with the Wideband Global Satcom (WGS) system.

The new compact Orbit terminal, GX46, features a 46cm (18″) antenna and will be delivered fully integrated with modems, electronics and related software. The lightweight, small-foot print terminal will open new communication opportunities for business jets, military mission aircraft and UAVs. Following completion of the Inmarsat certification process, volume production of the terminal is planned at Orbit’s U.S.-based facilities.

“We are very pleased to unveil our new multi-role terminal, which has been several years in the making with Inmarsat,” said Stav Gizunterman, Vice President of Research and Development at Orbit. “This flexible, integrated terminal is uniquely capable of supporting both Global Xpress and WGS services, and represents a truly innovative way to help expand their airborne services.”

“The implementation of the GX46 benefits from Orbit’s years of experience developing airborne satcom systems,” said Steve Gizinski, Chief Technology Officer of Inmarsat Government. “The GX46 will expand our airborne connectivity solutions with an Inmarsat type-approved terminal that is suitable for an important market segment. This terminal will support operations in mil band (Inmarsat-5 and WGS) and will operate seamlessly on Inmarsat’s global Global Xpress network.”