Hughes Defense HM400 is a specialized, software-defined multiband satellite modem to support the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. SkyGuardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft. Photo: Hughes Network Systems

Hughes Network Systems carried out the first shipments of its specialized, multiband HM400 SATCOM modems to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI). These modems will power the beyond-line-of-sight communications for their next-generation Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) known as the MQ-9B SkyGuardian.

Customized to meet specific operational requirements, the specialized Hughes HM400 delivers satellite-based communications for remotely piloted aircraft, leveraging an open system architecture and software-definable modem and waveform technology. Supporting both military and commercial satellite frequencies, the fully integrated solution helps open up applications such as search and rescue or disaster response for Predator-variant aircraft.

“Hughes develops innovative technology to suit customer needs and, in this case, our HM400 was customized for GA-ASI’s resilient communications-on-the-move requirements for their SkyGuardian RPA,” said Hughes Defense and Intelligence Systems Division (DISD) Vice President (VP) and General Manager Rick Lober. “We’re excited to be part of GA-ASI’s team and starting the delivery of HM400 units for their next-generation platform.”