PARIS — Wavestream Corp. will deliver 100- and 200-watt Ku-band solid-state power amplifiers to Harris CapRock Communications for integration into Harris CapRock’s maritime satellite communications antennas, Wavestream owner Gilat Satellite Networks announced June 12.
San Dimas, Calif.-based Wavestream specializes in high-power solid-state amplifiers, especially for U.S. military customers. It was to gain better access to that market that Peta Tikvah, Israel-based Gilat in October 2010 purchased Wavestream for $130 million in cash.
Gilat said that Wavestream’s lightweight, compact amplifiers would capture part of the market for high-power applications now held by traveling wave tube amplifiers. Gilat said at the time that the market for higher-power amplifiers is growing as military and commercial customers seek higher-bandwidth communications links. The global market, Gilat said, was estimated at $450 million annually.
Melbourne, Fla.-based Harris CapRock in May announced a five-year contract with cruise-ship operator Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. to outfit 34 ships with satellite communications gear. Gilat and Wavestream said at least part of their contract is for the cruise market.
