HM300 terminal. Photo: Hughes

[Via Satellite 07-13-2016] The Defense and Intelligence Systems Division (DISD) of Hughes Network Systems has completed successful operational demonstrations of its HM300 terminal. Designed for military applications, the HM300 is a portable X-Band communications system developed in conjunction with partners Airbus Defence and Space of United Kingdom and Tampa Microwave.

During tests in December between a satellite Earth station located in the U.K. and Fort Bragg, North Carolina operating over Airbus’ Xebra service, the HM300 demonstrated Beyond-Line-of-Sight (BLoS) capabilities with data rates up to 512kbps symmetrically, transmitting video, voice and data. A second mission scenario demonstrated autonomous operation transmitting to and from a 4-meter Gatr antenna located at Fort Bragg, providing Voice-over-IP (VoIP) and live video using an encoder. In January the HM300 terminal saw use during a combat airborne training operation when a paratrooper jumped the HM300 terminal while another jumped baseband equipment, demonstrating the terminal’s Size, Weight and Power (SWaP) benefits and earning it a “jumpable” designation.

Hughes’ HM300 terminal is designed for early entry units, forward deployed teams, long range scout teams and executive communications. According to the company, the terminal is cost-effective; provides assured bandwidth on demand; supports airborne operations; and has improved SWaP characteristics for Special Operations Forces (SOF) missions.