ThinKom Solutions, Inc. has completed successful live demo tests of its ThinAir Ka2517 antenna with next-generation satellite modems from Newtec over Avanti’s HYLAS 4 satellite
ThinKom confirmed that the on-air tests achieved data rates of up to 260 Mbps downlink and 50 Mbps uplink error-free at elevation angles from 27 to 57 degrees.
The tests were conducted as a collaborative effort by ThinKom, Newtec, Comsat and Avanti on 1-2 May at Herndon, Virginia.
The phased-array antenna of ThinKom was integrated with Newtec’s MDM6000 modems operating in SCPC mode to Avanti’s gateway earth station in Cyprus. Comsat coordinated and supervised the communication link using one of Avanti’s high-throughput steerable beams operating off its HYLAS 4 geostationary satellite.
Comsat can offer direct downlink from European and African theatres via the Avanti anchor beam to the US East Coast in either commercial or military Ka-band frequencies.
The Ka2517 antennas are available in both military and commercial Ka-band variants and are in production with units in active service aboard several US government aircraft.
Bill Milroy, chief technology officer, ThinKom Solutions, said, “The high throughput rates over Avanti’s network exceeded those we have previously achieved with the Ka2517 and Newtec’s modem technology.”
“The combination of our proven compact phased-array design with Newtec’s modems and Avanti’s high-throughput Ka-band satellites provides a capability that significantly outperforms other flat-panel products,” he added.
Andrew Faiola, Newtec’s head of mobility, commented, “ThinKom’s antennas have proven themselves in a variety of environments and use cases in air, on land and at sea.”
“Combined with Newtec Dialog, throughput performance exceeds all expectations, opening up many exciting new opportunities for reliable high-speed connectivity for aeronautical and land-mobile communications,” he stated.
