Artist rendition of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Mercury Global project. Photo: General Dynamics.

[Via Satellite 11-04-2016] Comtech EF Data has received a $1.2 million equipment order from General Dynamics Mission Systems—Canada in support of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Mercury Global project. This is the initial order of Comtech EF Data’s DMD2050E Wideband Global Satcom (WGS)-certified universal satellite modem to support General Dynamics Mission Systems—Canada’s implementation and in-service support of the Mercury Global anchor segment.

The DMD2050E complies with MIL-STD-188-165A and NATO standard STANAG-4486, Edition 3 Super High Frequency (SHF) Military Satellite Communications (MILSATCOM) Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) modem. The anchor stations will communicate with the WGS constellation and link them to existing CAF communications infrastructure.

Mercury Global will provide the CAF with assured access to wideband military satellite communications. The CAF will ultimately have access to bandwidth from the nine-satellite constellation and use three anchor sites located in Eastern, Central and Western Canada.