Commtact to Provide Advanced Datalinks for Tactical UAS

By Mike Ball / 13 Jan 2020
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Commtact BAT GDT tactical ground stationCommtact, a developer of advanced wireless communications solutions, has announced that it has been awarded a contract by a major defense firm to supply its family of Enhanced Mini Data Link Solutions (E-MDLS) as part of a major Asian programme. The contract covers the supply of more than 2,000 advanced airborne and ground datalink segments for tactical drones and fixed-wing unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

The datalinks will enable secure real-time wideband communications, including video streaming, for the unmanned systems. Several different versions of Commtact’s airborne transceivers will be supplied under the contract, all equipped with Commtact’s unique algorithm that enables robust and versatile operation at various ranges. These transceivers incorporate multiple-antenna arrays and allow automatic optimal switching between antennas, thus allowing flexible and immediate transitions between different polarizations in order to maintain optimal datalink connectivity throughout the different stages of the mission.

Commtact will also supply tactical ruggedized IP67-rated ground datalink segments that will facilitate simple and quick deployment for various operational scenarios while maintaining a high level of operational flexibility. For long-range operations, advanced auto tracking systems will also be supplied.

Commtact CEO, Ariel Kandel, commented: “Signing a long-term contract with a globally-recognized defence contractor is a major milestone for Commtact. The award follows several successful programmes and reflects the quality and value of Commtact’s core technology and capabilities. We will continue to invest in new technologies that bring our customers the most advanced, secure, and unique data link capabilities for unmanned systems.”

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