Marine Satellite Communications
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CTech has introduced a hybrid communications concept combining satellite and Line-Of-Sight (LOS) connectivity to support coordinated Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) swarm operations over long distances.
The approach integrates CTech’s AquaARX SATCOM Terminal with the UfukLink Mini Pro LOS communication solution, enabling vehicles within the swarm to communicate with each other while maintaining a connection with a command centre thousands of kilometres away.
In the configuration presented in CTech’s demonstration video, one USV carries both AquaARX and UfukLink Mini Pro. AquaARX provides the satellite link to the command centre, while the UfukLink Mini Pro installed on the same vehicle relays the connection to other vehicles within LOS range.
Kamikaze USVs fitted with UfukLink Mini Pro can therefore connect to the communications network without requiring their own separate SATCOM terminals.
Commands are transmitted by satellite from the command centre to the AquaARX-equipped USV before being relayed to the other vehicles through UfukLink Mini Pro. Live video from the operational area can also be sent back to the command centre through the same network, allowing operators to remotely command and control the vehicles while monitoring the mission in real time.
The AquaARX-equipped USV serves as the communications bridge between the command centre and the wider swarm. By combining satellite and LOS communications, the concept allows participating vehicles to operate in coordination using instructions transmitted remotely from the command centre.
