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Satnews Daily
June 20th, 2019

Orbit Communication's Airborne SATCOM Solutions Ordered by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems


Orbit Communications Systems Ltd. (TASE: ORBI) has revealed that Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, a global defense technology provider headquartered in Israel, placed a $5.5 million order for Orbit’s MPT 87 airborne SATCOM terminals and AL-4018 ground pedestals for integration with Israel Aerospace Industries’ advanced Heron TP MALE UAV.
 

Orbit’s integrated solution of onboard Multi-Purpose Terminal (MPT 87) SATCOM terminals and AL-4018 high-speed ground pedestals will provide both beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) and line-of-sight (LOS) connectivity and tracking for IAI’s next-generation medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). Delivery of the Orbit equipment is expected in 2019 and 2020.

Yoav Wermuth, Head of the Communications Division at Rafael, stated that tasked with providing both BLOS and LOS connectivity aboard the Heron TP, the company was looking for the most reliable and field-proven solutions available, which is why the firm selected Orbit’s BLOS communication components for the aircraft, as well as for the ground stations.

Ben Weinberger, CEO of Orbit, remarked that the company maintains an excellent track record in SATCOM and pedestal solutions, with hundreds of long-term data link solutions spread across the globe. The firm's agility in meeting the technical challenges of this particular project was a key factor in this ‘triple play’ win. In addition to the recently announced contract for the audio management system (AMS) on the same vehicle, Orbit is now providing the onboard SATCOM terminal and the ground line-of-site communications system.