Smiths Interconnect, a leading provider of airborne SATCOM terminals and high power transceivers and Inmarsat, the world leader in global, mobile satellite communications, announced that the Smiths Interconnect KaStream® 5000 MK II antenna system has received Inmarsat type approval for use over the Inmarsat Global Xpress network.
The lightweight KaStream® 5000 MK II antenna system is a fully integrated solution that is optimized for use over the Inmarsat Global Xpress Ka-band network and 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 25 lbs (~11.4 kg).
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.
Global Xpress is the world’s first and only globally available, seamless, mobile wideband SATCOM service. In U.S. government operation since July 2014, Global Xpress has established itself as the gold standard for reliable communications across land, air and sea for assured mobile connectivity and compatibility with government satellite systems.
“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.
Smiths Interconnect KaStream® 5000 MK II antenna system
Inmarsat is a pioneering technology company and the world leader in global, mobile satellite communications. It owns and operates the world’s most diverse global portfolio of mobile telecommunications satellite networks, and holds a multi-layered, global spectrum portfolio, covering L-band, Ka-band and S-band, enabling unparalleled breadth and diversity in the solutions it provides. Inmarsat’s long-established global distribution network includes not only the world’s leading channel partners but also its own strong direct retail capabilities, enabling end to end customer service assurance.
The company has an unrivalled track record of operating the world’s most reliable global mobile satellite telecommunications networks, sustaining business and mission critical safety and operational applications for more than 40 years. It is also a major driving force behind technological innovation in mobile satellite communications, sustaining its leadership through a substantial investment and a powerful network of technology and manufacturing partners.
Inmarsat operates across a diversified portfolio of sectors with the financial resources to fund its business strategy and holds leading positions in the Maritime, Government, Aviation and Enterprise SATCOM markets, operating consistently as a trusted, responsive and high-quality partner to its customers across the globe.
For further information, follow us on LinkedIn or on Twitter @InmarsatGlobal.
Jonathan Sinnatt / Matthew Knowles
Corporate Communications
Tel: +44 (0)20 7728 1518/1355
[email protected]
Smiths Interconnect is a leading provider of technically differentiated electronic components, subsystems, microwave and radio frequency products that connect, protect and control critical applications in the commercial aviation, defense, space, medical, rail, semiconductor test, wireless telecommunications, and industrial market segments.
Smiths Interconnect has delivered over 1,100 broadband SATCOM airborne antenna systems that provide high speed connectivity to a wide range of aircraft including commercial air transport and military platforms. These terminals provide industry leading data rate performance, are modem agnostic and offer maximum flexibility to address end-user specific requirements. Simplicity of design reduces the line replaceable unit count, weight and installation time in both line-fit and aftermarket applications.
Mark Kennedy
Marcom Manager, Americas
Aerospace, Space, and Defense
M. +1 772 285 7271
[email protected]
www.smithsinterconnect.com
