The small, state-of-the-art Ka-band phased-array
SATCOM antenna system allows customers to take
advantage of the significant increase in bandwidth
offered by next-generation Ka-band satellites
to transport data from aircraft in flight to the
ground network, and vice versa. Boeing developed
these communications antenna technologies to improve
the capability of platforms to remain networked
while mobile.
"Boeing's unique phased array antenna system
enables greater bandwidth capabilities for network
communications while in flight," said Terry
Collins, vice president and general manager, Boeing
Electronic & Mission Systems. "We're
both proud and excited to produce these next-generation
antenna systems, and we remain focused on completing
the development and delivery of these systems
for Yahsat."
"This agreement with Boeing is further evidence
of Yahsat's commitment to forming strategic partnerships
with the industry's leading organizations, allowing
us to provide turnkey solutions for secure, reliable,
cost-effective satellite communications solutions,"
said YahService General Manager Rashed Al Ghafri.
"Boeing's Ka-band phased-array SATCOM antenna
system is the perfect partner for our Ka-band
enabled satellites, which means that we will now
be able to service our customers with state-of-the-art
antennas for installation on aircraft platforms,"
Al Ghafri added.
Aircraft operators will gain significant benefits
from the low-profile, low-drag and easy-to-maintain
antenna system. Built upon heritage Ku-band systems
that have been operational for more than a decade,
Boeing's latest Ka-band phased array system uses
electronically controlled beams to transmit and
receive signals from Ka-band satellites in a single,
small, aerodynamic design.
The antennas are being designed in Kent, Wash.,
and will be produced at the Boeing Strategic Manufacturing
Center in El Paso, Texas.
Yahsat provides multipurpose satellite solutions
(government and commercial) for broadband, broadcast,
military and communications use across the Middle
East, Africa and Southwest Asia. Based in Abu
Dhabi and wholly owned by Mubadala, Yahsat is
the first company in the Middle East and Africa
to offer multipurpose satellite services:
- YahClick -- satellite broadband service
- YahSecure -- government satellite service
- YahLink -- satellite connectivity service
- YahService -- end-to-end satellite solutions
- YahCarrier -- satellite solutions for telecommunications
carriers.
Yahsat's first satellite, Y1A, was successfully
launched in April 2011. The company is preparing
to launch its second satellite, Y1B, in April
of this year.
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