PRESS RELEASE: Joint demonstration shows promise for future satellite capabilities

By Ms Sharon Rushen (RDECOM)July 26, 2011

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. " Researchers addressed current and future challenges of satellite communications on-the-move, or SOTM, at a July 19 technology demonstration.

The collaborative demonstration between CERDEC and Program Executive Office - Command, Control and Communications-Tactical, or PEO C3T looked into the military applicability of the Small Aperture X-Band Antenna, or SAXBA, Blue Force Tracking terminal.

The work done in SAXBA uses developments in antenna technology to expand the use X-Band terminals.

SAXBA is part of a larger Army technology objective that aims to eliminate the need to use the expensive, commercially-leased L-Band satellites by further developing a SOTM terminal that is able to utilize the X-Band portion of the DoD-owned Wideband Global SATCOM satellites.

During the demonstration, three units of SAXBA terminals were mounted on tactical vehicles to show on-the-move communication operation over live satellite links. The testing used the military application of PEO C3T’s next-generation Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below, Joint Capability Release to successfully show location updates, and to transmit and receive command and control messages. Additionally, the SAXBA terminal was used with an external modem to demonstrate high quality voice communication.

The demonstration was held at CERDEC’s SATCOM On-the-Move Lab here at Aberdeen Proving Ground’s new C4ISR Campus. It was demonstrated to government researchers, technology partners, Maj. Gen. Nick Justice, commanding general of RDECOM and other Army leaders.

For more information, contact:

Sharon Rushen

CERDEC Public Affairs

(443) 567-0915

Sharon.L.Rushen.civ@mail.mil

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