Armada’s monthly roundup of all the latest news in the military communications product, programme and operational domains.
L3Harris and Comtech Collaborate
L3Harris and Comtech are working together to introduce “the next evolution in resilient multi-orbit capability for today’s satellite communications operators” according to a press release published in late March. The two companies have developed the 5650C2/MP Satellite Communications (SATCOM) modem which they claim is the first “embeddable multi-orbit modem available on the global market”. L3Harris and Comtech have worked with SES to ensure the modem’s compatibility with the latter’s DBV-S2X mPower medium earth orbit communications satellite constellation. The press release continued that the 5650CS/MP is currently undergoing certification with the United States Space Force for use with the US military’s Wideband Global SATCOM constellation. Daniel Gizinski, president of Comtech’s satellite and space communications segment, and Bill Scorse, L3Harris’ director of programme management, told Armada that the multi-orbit modem lets users connect to different constellations in different orbits with a single device, as opposed to several: “With the new 5650C2/MP, operators can move between satellite networks more easily and keep communications running even if conditions change” says Mr. Gizinski. Mr. Scorse stated that the modem “will function across primarily X-band (7.9 gigahertz/GHz to 8.4GHz uplink/7.25GHz to 7.75GHz downlink), Ku-band (14GHz uplink/10.9GHz to 12.75GHz downlink) and Ka-band (26.5GHz to 40GHz uplink/18GHz to 20GHz downlink) links but is not limited to those specific frequencies”. Strong customer interest is being seen regarding this product, Mr. Gizinski notes: “We’re encouraged by the momentum and look forward to supporting customers as demand continues to grow”.
Himera Releases 3.0 Configuration
In early April Himera unveiled the 3.0 version of its tactical communications system. This new version is applicable to the company’s G1 Pro tactical radios. Himera stated that the 3.0 improvements include a remote wipe command allowing users to delete all data if a transceiver is lost and/or compromised. In addition to the AES-256 (Advanced Encryption Standard-256) communications/transmission security standards embedded in the G1 Pro’s software, the 3.0 upgrade adds “quantum-secure encryption” the company continued. Quantum-secure encryption provides “an additional layer of 1,024-bit symmetric data protection”. The 3.0 release eases the integration of Motorola radios with the G1 Pro via an intercom cable. Other improvements cover “system stability, data transmission logic and expanded configuration options”. Moreover “Ukrainian language support has been added, along with new menu items and offline access to training materials”. The company told Armada that the 3.0 release is also applicable to Himera’s B1 autonomous repeaters and R1 IP (Internet Protocol) repeaters. It said that the 3.0 release “is aimed at further adapting the Himera system to real operational conditions and the evolving needs of units in modern warfare”. Future improvements beyond the 3.0 configuration could include integration of Himera’s products “with other systems, adapting to changes on the battlefield (and) connecting soldiers with every piece of equipment”.
Kymeta Wins Office of Naval Research Contract
Kymeta has won a contract from the US Navy’s Office of Naval Research (ONR) to advance its Ku-band (14 gigahertz/GHz uplink/10.9GHz to 12.75GHz downlink) and Ka-band (26.5GHz to 40GHz uplink/18GHz to 20GHz downlink) multi-band, multi-beam Satellite Communications (SATCOM) antenna architecture. According to reports, the contract has a three-year duration and aims to expedite the company’s work on multi-band, multi-beam SATCOM terminal technology. Reports continued that the work of the ONR and Kymeta is expected to feed into the US Navy’s information warfare vision. The contract will enable Kymeta’s technology to evolve into a full-scale prototype. Kymeta’s first multi-band, multi-orbit antenna will be delivered to the US Navy for testing and evaluation by the middle of 2026. The company told Armada, via a written statement, that the first prototypes are nearing completion. Commercial viability could then follow by mid-2027. The ONR “has an interest to transition its research and development efforts into procurement solutions”, the statement added. “Kymeta expects to be considered for procurement by the navy. Application of this technology could be very wide-ranging and support a variety of platforms”.
by Dr. Thomas Withington
