Sample UAV. Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Orbit Communications, Inmarsat Government

Orbit Communication Systems and Inmarsat Government announced a long-term agreement to offer end-users a new modular, multi-role aviation terminal, optimized for use over Inmarsat’s Global Xpress (GX) network.

The new terminal will operate over Inmarsat’s GX constellation, a globally available, high-throughput wideband network. It aims to deliver Inmarsat’s ‘Satcom as a Service,’ featuring commercial Ka-band and military Ka-band capabilities, which are fully interoperable with the Wideband Global Satcom (WGS) system. The terminals aim to open new communication opportunities for business jets, military mission aircraft, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). Following completion of the Inmarsat certification process, volume production of the terminal is planned at Orbit’s U.S.-based facilities.

“We are very pleased to unveil our new multi-role terminal, which has been several years in the making with Inmarsat,” said Orbit Vice President (VP) of Research and Development Stav Gizunterman. “This flexible, integrated terminal is uniquely capable of supporting both Global Xpress and WGS services, and represents a truly innovative way to help expand their airborne services.”