Summer Myatt
A collaborative partnership between Honeywell, Hughes Network Systems and SES has completed a demonstration of multinetwork, multi-orbit high-speed airborne connectivity for military use.
The demonstration utilized Honeywell’s JetWave MCX terminal, which is compatible with various military Ka-band networks, Hughes’ software-defined HM-series modem and SES’ medium earth orbit high-throughput, low-latency network as well as its multiple geostationary satellites, including GovSat-1, the companies said Monday.
The results are expected to enable more efficient, rapid and secure communications capabilities between ground and air systems for government and military customers.
Rick Lober, vice president and general manager of the defense and intelligence systems division of Hughes, said the demonstrations, which used the Hughes HM System as an essential component, are “critical” in testing resilient airborne connectivity.
“Our equipment and systems integration enabled far greater throughput — ideal for both en-route and air-to-ground applications — and showcased how our low probability of intercept/low probability of detection waveform can enhance the military’s PACE planning,” Lober explained.
In a recent Executive Spotlight interview, Lober highlighted how Hughes is leveraging different types of satellite constellations and orbits for resilient satellite networking in support of federal agencies.
Lober shared, “GEO, MEO, and LEO satellites, each orbiting at different altitudes and integrated by a network services provider into a single solution, offer advantages that no single communications transport can provide in isolation for all applications.”
Earlier this year, Hughes’ HM series modems were successfully used in conjunction with SES’ MEO satellites to test multi-orbit satellite communications for General Atomics’ aeronautical systems business.
