Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES), the global leader in broadband satellite solutions and services, has announced that its Defense and Intelligence Systems Division (DISD) recently demonstrated a 360-degree Beyond-Line-of-Sight (BLoS) SATCOM capability transmitting HD video through rotating blades on a NorthStar Aviation 407 Multi-Role Attack Helicopter.
This new advancement in SATCOM technology integrates the Hughes HM200 airborne modem and two lightweight antennas mounted on top of the helicopter’s weapons platforms via an easy Roll-on/Roll-off installation. As a new lightweight capability— 50% lighter than previous systems— it can be adapted to any helicopter platform given its low Size, Weight and Power (SWaP) properties, giving pilots more flexibility and uninterrupted transmission of full motion HD video over a full 360-degree range.
“Meeting end user requirements is what we’re all about, and this flight test proves that BLoS SATCOM systems on helicopter platforms are now easier than ever to deploy,” said Wayne Marhefka, Senior Director at Hughes DISD. “As a Roll-on/Roll-off system, the two antennas seamlessly hand-off the satellite signal based on aircraft position, with little to no feed interruption. Customers requiring real time SATCOM on helicopters will no longer have to worry about aircraft positioning in order to stream HD video or other data.”
The two advanced airborne terminals have very low SWaP constraints, providing an industry- leading capability enabling NorthStar Aviation to quickly place the antennas at strategic low-risk locations on the helicopter without costly structural changes and re-certification. As result, users have the flexibility to integrate the 360-degree solution on an ever-growing variety of rotary wing platforms for missions that range from ISR gathering, to search and rescue, disaster relief, and other applications requiring live video feeds for situational awareness.
“The system will enhance the commander’s ability to make decisions on the ground based on real-time situational awareness,” said Terry Key, EVP and Chief Pilot of NorthStar Aviation. “BLoS adds another critical piece to the ever changing operational environment.”
Watch this video to see the 360-degree BLoS SATCOM capabilities in action: http://defense.hughes.com/resources/dual-terminal-360-degree-satcom-solution-for-blos-rotary-airborne-platform?locale=en
About Hughes Network Systems
Hughes Network Systems, LLC (Hughes) is the global leader in satellite broadband for home and office, delivering innovative solutions and a comprehensive suite of HughesON™ managed services for enterprises and governments worldwide. HughesNet® is the #1 high-speed satellite Internet service in the marketplace, with offerings to suit every budget. To date, Hughes has shipped more than 5 million systems to customers in over 100 countries, representing approximately 50 percent market share. Its products employ global standards approved by the TIA, ETSI and ITU organizations, including IPoS/DVB-S2, RSM-A, and GMR-1.
Headquartered outside Washington, D.C., in Germantown, Maryland, USA, Hughes operates sales and support offices worldwide, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of EchoStar Corporation (NASDAQ: SATS), a premier global provider of satellite operations and digital TV solutions. For additional information about Hughes, please visit www.hughes.com.
About EchoStar
EchoStar Corporation (NASDAQ: SATS) is a premier global provider of satellite and video delivery solutions. Headquartered in Englewood, Colo., and conducting business around the globe, EchoStar is a pioneer in secure communications technologies through its EchoStar Satellite Services, EchoStar Technologies Corporation and Hughes Network Systems business segments.
For more information, visit echostar.com. Follow @EchoStar on Twitter.
