A communications solution combining ThinKom Solutions’ ThinAir Ka2517 antenna with Newtec’s next-generation satellite modems over Avanti’s Hylas 4 satellite has completed live on-air tests. The companies say data rates up to 260Mbps for downlink and 50Mbps for uplink were achieved, without errors, at elevation angles from 27-57°.
The tests were conducted May 1-2, 2019, at Herndon, Virginia, as a collaborative effort by ThinKom, Newtec, Comsat and Avanti. ThinKom’s phased-array antenna was integrated with Newtec’s MDM6000 modems operating in SCPC mode to Avanti’s Gateway Earth Station in Cyprus. The communication link was coordinated and overseen by Comsat using one of Avanti’s high-throughput steerable beams operating off its Hylas 4 geostationary satellite. Comsat can offer direct downlink from European and African theaters by way of the Avanti anchor beam to the US East Coast in either commercial or military Ka-band frequencies.
“The high throughput rates over Avanti’s network exceeded those we have previously achieved with the Ka2517 and Newtec’s modem technology,” said Bill Milroy, chief technology officer at ThinKom Solutions. “The combination of our proven compact phased-array design with Newtec’s modems and Avanti’s high-throughput Ka-band satellites provides a capability that significantly outperforms other flat-panel products.”
“ThinKom’s antennas have proven themselves in a variety of environments and use cases in air, on land and at sea,” said Andrew Faiola, Newtec’s head of mobility. “Combined with Newtec Dialog, throughput performance exceeds all expectations, opening up many exciting new opportunities for reliable high-speed connectivity for aeronautical and land-mobile communications.”
The Ka2517 antennas are available in both military and commercial Ka-band variants and are in production with units in active service aboard several US government aircraft.
