X/Ka SOTM demonstrator to Airbus

Last July, as part of a future MilSatCom system, an X/Ka Band SATCOM Terrestrial On The Move (SOTM) demonstrator has been awarded by the DGA.

Thanks to this new capability, this will allow armored vehicles in-field to be continuously connected with high throughput to local the HQ, whatever the transmission conditions. Simple management by the local operator will allow the terminal to switch frequency band in less than 2 minutes.

The X/Ka Band SOTM demonstrator will be installed on a 4X4 wheel drive vehicle, meeting all armored vehicle installation requirements and environment qualifications. The main challenges will be ensuring the radio performance in both X and Ka bands and especially the thermal qualification as the terminal will be deployed in field, in the Sahara area.

It will be delivered to DGA and STAT (Section technique de l’Armée de Terre) beginning of 2021 for a live conditions tests’ campaign with the support of Airbus team over a 2 month period.