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BAE SYSTEMS UK SATCOM strengthens capability

30 Oct 2001

BAE Systems has completed a key stage in the development and production of the UK/TSC503 satellite field terminal (SFT) project with the official handover of the first system to the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence.

The UK/TSC503 is a compact, multi-role, tactical satcom bridging system. It provides world-wide communications access to strategic infrastructure networks for in-theatre users. A double hop relay station function is included.

The SFT has two configurations - the Rapid Deployment Terminal (RDT) and the Full Capability Terminal (FCT). In addition, the system's modular design offers full flexibility for user reconfiguration to meet specific mission needs.

The RDT provides a very rapid, 'first in' capacity at rates up to 512kbps and utilises a two-metre antenna. The FCT is deployed during the later phases of capability build-up, supporting multiple trunks through the four-metre antenna.

On air in 30 minutes, the two-man portable RDT can be dispersed around a deployment base, with network interface baseband containers located with users up to 4 kilometres from the radio equipment, which is co-located with the antenna. The antenna may be located up to 50 metres away from the radio electronics as required.

The antennas use snap-on, lightweight composite reflector panels mounted on tripods which pack into carry cases and provide automatic satellite tracking. They can be quickly assembled with no special tools by two-person RDT and four-person FCT crews in 30 minutes and two hours respectively. Assembly of the four-metre reflector is facilitated by a unique telescoping pedestal. A highly innovative, lightweight fabric radome enables full performance of the four-metre antenna in extreme conditions, such as high and low temperatures and hurricane force winds. Easily deployable into buildings and remote locations with no vehicle access, the terminal can be transported in civil cargo aircraft and all standard military transports, including helicopter lift.

Background note:

The Communications & Defence Infrastructure (CDI) division of BAE Systems Avionics supplies tactical and strategic communications systems for all three domains, together with innovative information infrastructure and Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems, to support battlespace digitisation. The division develops defence applications based on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) sub-systems and accepts development risk from customer organisations. CDI's approach features the creation of Integrated Project Teams (IPTs) with procurement specialists and user representatives, and the development of industrial alliances with other major industry centres of specialist expertise in associated fields.