Antenna system wins Inmarsat approval

Optimised for use over the Inmarsat Global Xpress Ka-band network, the antenna system supports commercial and military modems.

It can be used in tail-mount, hatch-mount and roll-on roll-off installations combining the Radio Frequency (RF) electronics, antenna aperture and positioning system in a single Line Replaceable Unit (LRU).

This wideband, high-throughput terminal features a 12-inch diameter aperture and weighs less than 25lbs (~11.4kg).

Using a Global Xpress subscription – SATCOM as a Service – the terminal provides always-available access to high-throughput, reliable, secure connectivity, anytime and anywhere. Operation on Inmarsat’s military Ka-band steerable beam ensures interoperability with military satellite systems, delivering redundancy, protection, scalability and global portability.

“Our government customers demand commercial and military Ka-band access on aeronautical platforms. This announcement demonstrates our commitment to meeting this need by responding with Global Xpress commercial and mil-Ka terminals for users operating across multiple environments. We are pleased to work with Smiths Interconnect to expand our offerings with the lightweight KaStream 5000 antenna system, which is compatible with MILSATCOM and enables Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) connectivity for a range of Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance missions,” said Steve Gizinski, Chief Technology Officer, Inmarsat Government.

“Our KaStream 5000 MK II broadband antenna system is truly unique in the market by offering access to global wideband commercial and military networks. We are very pleased to be partnering with Inmarsat to offer fast, reliable and efficient connectivity on and off the aircraft worldwide.” said Ralph DeMarco, Vice President of Business Development and Sales at Smiths Interconnect.