Airbus trials BLoS SATCOM for helicopters
Airbus tests mitigation measures to overcome the problem of helicopter rotor blades interfering with BLoS communications.
Airbus has successfully trialled beyond line-of-sight (BLoS) SATCOM helicopter communications in the US using its software-defined Proteus Unity Satellite Modem System on a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.
The trial ‘proves the ability to transmit and receive high data rate intelligence while on the move’, the company announced on 8 September.
Earlier, in September 2020, Airbus Helicopters in the UK successfully tested the modem system through the rotor blades of an H135 helicopter, showing efficiency of more than 80%.
Historically, interference from rotor blades has hindered the widespread rollout of BLoS communication systems for helicopters, so Airbus devised mitigation measures.
‘Proteus Unity addresses this challenge and provides a flexible waveform that mitigates interference by transmitting through the rotor blade disc. The modem system adapts to the environment it sees to ensure the most efficient, secure and resilient communications,’ said Richard Budd, head of UK & US secure communications at Airbus Defence and Space.
Proteus ‘also provides interoperability with other ground or maritime users in the network enabling real-time full-motion high-definition video, communications and intelligence to be sent and received on the move’, he added.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Teledyne FLIR upgrades Black Hornet 4 UAS]()
Teledyne FLIR upgrades Black Hornet 4 UAS
Integration and expanding capabilities are among the objectives for Teledyne FLIR to further develop its family of uncrewed systems.
-
![NATO funds portable charging technology for Arctic deployment]()
NATO funds portable charging technology for Arctic deployment
Technology provided by Quaze Technologies will enable wirelessly charging of unmanned systems.
-
![Skydio X10D becomes first UAS delivered for Tranche 2 US Army Short Range Reconnaissance programme]()
Skydio X10D becomes first UAS delivered for Tranche 2 US Army Short Range Reconnaissance programme
The drone has equipped a US Army Transforming in Contact (TiC) to provide it with intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
-
![AeroVironment unveils new one-way attack drone Red Dragon and Titan 4 C-UAS]()
AeroVironment unveils new one-way attack drone Red Dragon and Titan 4 C-UAS
The two new platforms form part of AeroVironment’s growing portfolio of UAS and C-UAS solutions, following its acquisition of BlueHalo in May to scale its technology and business.
-
![Spain signs for two Quantum Systems UAS reconnaissance platforms]()
Spain signs for two Quantum Systems UAS reconnaissance platforms
The Vector and Twister systems will be utilised for medium and short-range ISR missions across the Spanish Armed Forces.
