Prototype portable satellite terminal achieves high-throughput data link under test

SAN DIEGO, 13 Sept. 2016. Theprototype GATR-FLEX sub-meter Ku-band, portable terminal from GATR Technologies (GATR), which operates within Cubic Corp.’s (NYSE:CUB) Cubic Mission Solutions (CMS) business division, with assistance from Intelsat General Corp. (IGC), established a 26-megabits per second (mbps) downlink and a 10+ mbps uplink, carrying multiple data streams during performance testing.

GATR and IGC engineers performed a series of tests using the open architecture, high-performance Intelsat EpicNG satellite IS-29e, GATR-FLEX antenna, and GATR’s e850 ruggedized iDirect satellite modem, which maximized the throughput of the iDirect Evolution series modems. The tests measured throughput while taxing a single satellite link with data, voice, and high-definition (HD) streaming video -- typically done with two separate terminals over separate networks.

GATR terminals have been used worldwide by military, intelligence, and homeland security organizations at Ku-, C-, and WGS-certified Ka- and X-band for all types of data and voice transmissions, and other IP-enabled activities.

“The extreme portability of our sub-meter GATR-FLEX terminal and IGC’s new high-throughput, high-performance satellite have been successfully tested to deliver command and control (C2) in addition to full-motion video capabilities,” says Paul Gierow, president of Cubic|GATR.

“The goal of this test was to demonstrate that there was ample capacity for a small terminal to stream multiple HD video streams at the same time as C2 traffic, and we succeeded in doing this,” adds Mark Daniels, vice president of new technologies and services, Intelsat General.

Cubic|GATR and IGS anticipate higher performance with the next generation of iDirect Velocity modems.

“Cubic’s GATR looks forward to offering new and innovative satellite communications solutions that enable users to increase the capability of the mission, while keeping the pack-out small and lightweight,” explains Mike Twyman, president of Cubic Mission Solutions. “Cubic subsidiaries will continue to look for ways to synergize and collaborate to deliver enhanced end-to-end communications solutions to our customers.”

Additional products from CMS subsidiaries used for the tests include: DTECH’s M3-SE networking stack of routers, switches, servers, encoders, and voice appliances as well as TeraLogics’ Unified Video Cloud and Server application for real-time full motion video. Unified Video demonstrated HD video contribution and consumption streaming over the same satellite link for the C2 services.

Cubic|GATR, a subsidiary of Cubic Corporation and a business under Cubic Mission Solutions, manufactures deployable inflatable satellite communication terminals (1.2 meter, 1.8 meter, 2.4 meter, and 4 meter). The unique inflatable design enables deployment of high-bandwidth terminals in a very efficient pack-out (smaller & lighter), making it ideal for first-in deployments and remote applications. GATR terminals have been used over the globe by the U.S. Military, Intelligence, and Homeland Security organizations at Ku-, C-, and WGS certified Ka- and X-band for all types of data and voice transmissions, and other IP-enabled activities. GATR’s antennas perform like rigid deployable antennas of the same size, but provide up to an 85 percent reduction in the logistical size/weight of those systems.

Cubic Corp. designs, integrates, and operates systems, products, and services focused in the transportation, defense training, and secure communications markets. Cubic Transportation Systems is a leading integrator of payment and information technology and services to create intelligent travel solutions for transportation authorities and operators. Cubic Global Defense is a leading provider of live, virtual, constructive, and game-based training solutions, special operations and intelligence for the U.S. and allied forces. Cubic Mission Solutions provides networked Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities for defense, intelligence, security and commercial missions.

Intelsat General (IGC) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Intelsat, operator of the world’s first Globalized Network. IGC provides its government and commercial customers with high-quality, cost-effective, communications solutions via Intelsat’s leading satellite backbone and terrestrial infrastructure. Customers rely on IGC to provide secure and seamless broadband connectivity, video communications, and mobility services for mission-critical operations anywhere on the globe through our open, inter-operable architecture.