Norsat’s MarineLink COM12 terminal. Photo: Norsat

[Via Satellite 10-16-2015] A U.S. military contractor has awarded Norsat International a $2.7million contract for its Ku-band and Wideband Global Satcom (WGS)-certified X-band marine VSAT terminals. Under the agreement, Norsat will supply its MarineLink COM12 1.2m and MarineLink COM15X 1.5m dual antenna maritime VSAT terminals for seafaring vessels, including naval ships. Additionally, Norsat’s proprietary Low Noise Block (LNB) downconverters and Atom Block Upconverters (BUC) will be integrated into the MarineLink terminals.

Both the COM12 and COM15X include Norsat’s latest technical upgrades such as heavy-duty industrial grade motors, advanced high-speed acceleration and braking, high gain and low-loss antenna and RF filter chain, and conformance to military standards for high impact shock, vibration, and Electromagnetic Compatibility (MIL-STD-901D, MIL-STD-167, MIL-STD-461 for EMC). In addition, the COM15X will be officially going through Army Force Strategic Command’s (ARSTRAT) WGS certification process. WGS certification gives the COM15X permission to operate on the high-capacity WGS satellite constellation controlled and operated by the U.S. government. Due to ARSTRAT’s WGS certification timing requirements, Norsat expects to begin MarineLink terminal deliveries during the fourth quarter of 2016.