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Thales unveils phased array antenna for satcom on the move

12 June 2006

Thales presented its SATMOVE Xotm solution for mobile satellite communications at the Eurosatory 2006 exhibition in Paris this week. Easy to install on all types of military vehicles, SATMOVE Xotm is a stand-alone terminal that automatically acquires satellites while units are in transit. Based on active phased array technology and operating in the military X band, the new terminal will offer transmit and receive data rates of up to 1 Mb/s.

This solution meets the needs of network-centric warfighting in new types of conflicts, where high mobility and persistent connectivity for command communications are essential. Under certain conditions, armoured vehicle crews far from their bases may need to limit stops, and personnel may need to remain on board the vehicle for safety reasons.

Based on Thales radar technologies, the new-generation SATMOVE Xotm antennas offer a number of key benefits, including high performance and reliability and a limited volume thanks to the electronic scanning techniques employed. A technology demonstrator was set up to validate the technical solution, with a moving antenna establishing links with real satellites.

In the same range of SATMOVE products and to deliver higher data rates, Thales also proposes the SATMOVE Quick Halt concept. Developed for the Syracuse III programme, this terminal is quick to deploy and establishes automatically satellite links without personnel having to exit the vehicle. After the vehicle stops, the link is established in less than 10 minutes. With its 1.80 m antenna operating in the military X band (7-8 GHz), the SATMOVE Quick Halt station supports data rates of up to 2 Mb/s. The terminal is compact and its subassemblies are incorporated in the outdoor part of the system. This configuration makes installation easier and frees up space in military platforms such as armoured vehicles and containers.

Both satcom terminals are based on the most advanced technologies and are designed to meet the increased mobility needs of land forces while guaranteeing the high data rates required to support persistent connectivity for command systems.

About Thales

Thales is a leading international electronics and systems group, serving defence, aerospace and security markets worldwide, supported by a comprehensive services offering. The company|s civil and military businesses develop in parallel to serve a single objective: the security of people, property and nations. With more than 20,000 high-level researchers, Thales offers a capability unmatched in Europe to develop and deploy critical information systems. Thales employs 60,000 people in 50 countries and generated revenues of €10.3 billion in 2005, including €3 billion from land systems. At the end of 2005, its order book stood at a record level of over €20 billion.