L-3 Communications (News - Alert), a prime contractor in C3ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) systems, platform and logistics solutions, and national security solutions, recently announced that the Commonwealth of Australia has selected its Hawkeye III Lite 1.2-meter Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSATs). According to the $38.5 million contract, L3 will also provide training and long-term sustainment services, enabling the Australian Defense Force (ADF) to deploy an integrated wideband satellite communications capability.
The Hawkeye III system provides high data rate communications of 2-5Mbps as determined by the link parameters. This lightweight solution can be deployed in a matter of minutes utilizing the auto-acquire antenna system, ViewSat GUI, and the GCS (News - Alert) universal Outdoor Unit (ODU). The ODU includes the latest version of the iDirect Evolution iConnex e800 modem, LAN switch and a control processor. The complete system consists of two hard-sided cases which house the ODU, auto-acquire antenna pedestal, controller, 6-segment carbon fiber circular reflector, boom and feed, and three LNB’s for global coverage.
The latest generation of Hawkeye gives the user the ability to switch between bands and apertures without having to purchase an additional system. The Hawkeye III terminals range in antenna size from 1.2M to 2.4M and utilize a universal ODU to eliminate reconfiguration and allow commonality of control. A simple swap of the feed boom assembly is all that is required to switch between bands.
“This is L-3’s first entry into the Australian SATCOM market, and this immediate success recognizes the quality of our products and solutions,” said John Mega, president of L-3’s Microwave Group. “Australia is an emerging market for WGS-qualified terminals and we look forward to establishing a long-term partnership with the ADF and other local suppliers.”
In related news, California-based communications provider ViaSat (News - Alert) Inc and New York-based electronic systems and services contractor for L-3's Platform Integration Division said they have signed a memorandum of agreement to provide private transport-class aircraft with in-flight connectivity services. Under the agreement, the companies will collaborate on a complete broadband satellite communication system for airline-sized planes that are custom-fit for use by heads of state and "VVIP" customers.
Edited by Alisen Downey