New Multipurpose Airborne Satellite Terminal Announced

By Mike Ball / 09 May 2019

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Orbit Communication Systems, a provider of tracking airborne and maritime terminals and compact ground stations for unmanned systems, has announced the launch of its new MPT 87 Airborne Terminal.

This advanced, MIL-STD qualified terminal initially features a high gain 87cm (34”) hybrid Ku-band antenna, with a Ka-band configuration in development. It will operate across the full Ku band and can be easily switched in real time between different operators and satellites.

The MPT 87 is the latest addition to the MPT terminal family and is planned for initial service operation later this year. Like all other MPT versions, the MPT 87 will be delivered fully integrated with RF and control electronics, and associated software. The lightweight, small-footprint terminal couples high performance and reliability. The MPT modular approach facilitates its adaptation to different unmanned aircraft and platforms, allowing it to address new opportunities and help grow emerging aeronautical communications markets.

“Following our recent announcements of new maritime and airborne satcom terminals, developed in coordination with two of the largest satellite operators (SES and Inmarsat), this high-speed terminal fulfills key requirements for one of our leading defense segment customers,” noted Ben Weinberger, Orbit’s CEO. “The underlying MPT architecture and engineering has allowed us to again expand and tailor our airborne terminal family in a timely and cost-effective manner.”

Posted by Mike Ball Mike Ball is our resident technical editor here at Unmanned Systems Technology. Combining his passion for teaching, advanced engineering and all things unmanned, Mike keeps a watchful eye over everything related to the unmanned technical sector. With over 10 years’ experience in the unmanned field and a degree in engineering, Mike’s been heading up our technical team here for the last 8 years. Connect & Contact

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