Orbit Communications Systems Ltd. has announced that it intends to expand the development of its new multi-purpose terminal (MPT) for airborne satcom to include helicopters. The company received an order for approximately $3 million from a global provider of defense products and services for the delivery of helicopter systems to a leading Air Force between 2018 and 2022.
Built to military standard (MIL-STD), the 30-centimeter antenna (MPT30) will deliver data communications via satellite to a wide range of military helicopters. The system was designed to overcome the many challenges posed by helicopter installations, such as constant vibration and the need for a self-cooling mechanism when placed behind the exhaust systems.
“Our decision to extend the development of our Multi-Purpose Terminals to helicopters was prompted by market demand,” said Eitan Livneh, CEO of Orbit. “Time to market is a key factor and our ability to tailor our technology to customer needs is proving to be a very attractive and marketable commodity.”
