BAE Systems rapid deployment satcom terminals for Skynet 5 programme

BAE Systems C4ISR has received a contract from Astrium, the joint venture between EADS and BAE Systems, for the supply of rapid deployment satellite communications (satcom) terminals. This represents one of the first procurements within the boundary of the Skynet 5 program, for which the Paradigm Team, led by Paradigm Secure Communications (with Astrium and Paradigm Services as principal suppliers), was recently selected as the preferred bidder by the UK Ministry of Defence.

BAE Systems is to supply twelve terminals in two phases by the end of 2002, with a further supply of three in August 2003. They will satisfy the requirement within Skynet 5 for rapidly deployable satcoms to support British out-of-area deployments.

The Talon terminals were also recently selected by the UK Ministry of Defence for a separate requirement to support NATO operations. Talon incorporates a range of commercial off-the-shelf components integrated to provide military features - such as satellite tracking, and the use of both defence and civil frequency bands - in a flyaway package

BAE Systems Communications Systems Director, Bob Fewings, comments "This contract reflects the rapid progress being made towards the introduction of Skynet 5. It will put fully developed equipment into the field at a rapid pace, enabling British forces to prepare for Skynet 5 functionality, whilst initially using the existing Skynet 4 satellite system."

REF XQQEE XQQSA XQQAR XQQLD XQQSE XQQTY