Ka-band version of unique Ku-band antenna system ready for Telenor's new High Throughput Satellite services

Nor-Shipping 2015, Oslo - Norway based maritime satcom service provider Pyxisat, will show Cobham SATCOM's SAILOR 900 VSAT antenna on its stand (B05-38) at Nor-Shipping 2015. The new SAILOR 900 Ka has been developed initially to enable new services on Telenor Satellite Broadcasting's (TSBc) THOR 7 satellite, which are expected to be available in November 2015.

In March 2014, Cobham SATCOM became the first antenna vendor approved to develop antenna systems for the THOR 7 satellite. With its SAILOR 800 VSAT and SAILOR 900 VSAT already approved for Telenor's Ku-band network, Cobham SATCOM's VSAT antenna system technology was the ideal platform to build on. The new SAILOR 900 Ka is now fully approved for the Ka-band THOR 7 network.

The Ku-band SAILOR 900 VSAT took the market by storm on its launch in 2011 due to its unique approach to technology and fast, easy deployment. These attributes make it over to the new SAILOR 900 Ka antenna system for THOR 7, either straight from the factory or via a simple to implement and cost-effective field conversion kit for the SAILOR 900 VSAT.

Like the SAILOR 900 VSAT, SAILOR 900 Ka provides uniquely simple procurement and installation in addition to top of the line RF performance. After ordering a complete system with a single part number, the antenna leaves the factory fully tested and configured, with all RF equipment installed, which simplifies logistics for the service provider and reduces the time needed on board for installation.

Uniquely, and hugely beneficial for service providers and installers, both the Ku- and the Ka-band version of the SAILOR 900 platform can be installed and commissioned without the requirement for line-up or calling the Network Operations Centre (NOC). It uses a single cable between antenna and below deck equipment for RF, power and data, whilst advanced features such as Automatic Azimuth Calibration (home flag) and Automatic Cable Calibration complete the unique ability to commission a SAILOR Ku and Ka-band antenna far quicker than any other antenna. The system also uses Dynamic Motor Brakes so during shipping, installation and no-power situations, there is no requirement for taking the radome off, which saves time and reduces costs.

"SAILOR 900 VSAT is a strong platform for ship owners to leverage new high bandwidth services on THOR 7," says Jørn Hammersland, Owner & Partner, Pyxisat. "The technology is well proven on hundreds of vessels and with the new SAILOR 900 Ka and straightforward conversion SAILOR 900 VSAT systems in the field, its application is expanded to a new generation of satellite service. This gives our customers more flexibility in the choice of services whilst providing significant benefits for us as a service provider by focusing on streamlining installation with functions like fast and easy commissioning, whilst facilitating reliable communication services at sea."

Covering a large European and North Sea/Atlantic footprint from the 1˚West orbital location, THOR 7's Ka-band capacity is strategically positioned over the main shipping routes in Europe and major oil and gas exploration and production areas including the North Sea. The THOR 7 Ka-band HTS payload offers 6-9 Gbps throughput with up to 25 simultaneously active spot beams. Services will offer reliable speeds in the tens of Mbps downlink, even from small antennas. THOR 7 Uplink speeds will be anywhere from 2Mbps to 6Mbps depending on antenna size. Service reliability is key, with TSBc implementing a package of solutions to mitigate rain fade on Ka-band, including a new uplink site in Norway to provide antenna site diversity.

About Cobham

The most important thing we build is trust.

We protect lives and livelihoods with our differentiated technology and know-how, operating with a deep insight into customer needs and agility. Our innovative range of technologies and services solve challenging problems in harsh environments across commercial, defence and security markets, from deep space to the depths of the ocean, specialising in meeting the growing demand for data, connectivity and bandwidth.

We employ more than 12,000 people on five continents, and have customers and partners in over 100 countries, with market leading positions in: wireless, audio, video and data communications, including satellite communications; defence electronics; air-to-air refuelling; aviation services; life support and mission equipment.

About Cobham SATCOM

Providing dependable communications and internet access anywhere under the most demanding conditions.

Our satellite and radio communication terminals perform in the most challenging and remote environments on land, at sea and in the air.

We design and manufacture these high performance products under the AVIATOR, EXPLORER, SAILOR and Sea Tel brands providing customers with outstanding performance, value and support through our global sales and service network.

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