Babcock nears first customer for Nomad AI translation tool
Nomad can provide militaries with real-time intelligence, saving critical time on the battlefield.
Orbit to collaborate with ViaSat for the development of new satellite terminals
Orbit is to develop next-generation airborne SATCOM systems. (Image: Orbit)
The agreement includes delivery of 30cm and 45cm airborne terminals for military and government use, utilising dual polarisation and supporting the entire 3.5GHz of Ka-band frequencies.
Orbit Communication Systems and ViaSat will collaborate on next-generation airborne satellite communication (SATCOM) systems with Orbit to develop and supply advanced SATCOM multi-purpose terminals (MPTs) for airborne platforms.
Under the agreement, Orbit will introduce next-generation airborne SATCOM systems that will integrate across ViaSat’s global Ka-band networks, which include the next-generation high-capacity ViaSat-3 network and the advanced Global Xpress (GX) network.
These systems have been designed to work with military Ka-band HCX steerable beams and are defined as WGS-ready terminals. The MPT systems consolidate network capabilities, allowing seamless switching for users with high-speed data transmission and robust connectivity in dynamic environments.
These systems were designed to support multiple networks including various types of Viasat satellites. This flexibility will help increase resilient connectivity for customers with a simple, multi-network terminal capability that supports military operational needs.
The terminals can be installed on a range of mission aircraft, rotary wing and UAVs. They comply with industry and military standards, including MIL-STD-188-164C, RTCA DO-160G, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI).
The systems are compatible with military satellite systems, making them suitable for government airborne intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance applications.
Orbit manufactures a range of MPTs including MPT 30 Ku, MPT 30WGX, MPT 46WGX, MPT 60, MPT 87 and MPT 25LP. These terminals include a circular antenna between 30 and 90cm in size, supporting Ku, Ka and X bands.
Shephard Defence Insight noted that, according to Orbit officials, MPT 30 and MPT 46 systems are already in service with multiple customers worldwide.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Digital Battlespace
-
![Babcock nears first customer for Nomad AI translation tool]()
-
![AUSA 2025: Israel’s Asio Technologies to supply hundreds of improved Taurus tactical systems]()
AUSA 2025: Israel’s Asio Technologies to supply hundreds of improved Taurus tactical systems
Taurus operates alongside the Israel Defense Forces’ Orion system which supports mission management across tens of thousands of manoeuvring forces, from squad leaders to battalion commanders.
-
![AUSA 2025: Kopin pushes micro-LED plans as China moves faster]()
AUSA 2025: Kopin pushes micro-LED plans as China moves faster
The plan for the new displays follows fresh investment in Kopin’s European facilities by Theon and an order for head-up displays in fielded aircraft, with funding from the US Department of Defense.
-
![AUSA 2025: Persistent Systems to complete its largest order by year’s end]()
AUSA 2025: Persistent Systems to complete its largest order by year’s end
Persistent Systems received its largest ever single order for its MPU5 devices and other systems earlier this month and has already delivered the 50 units to the US Army’s 4th Infantry Division.
-
![Aselsan brings in dozens of companies and systems under the Steel Dome umbrella]()
Aselsan brings in dozens of companies and systems under the Steel Dome umbrella
Turkey has joined the family of countries attempting to establish a multilayered air defence system with government approval in August 2024 for the effort landed by Aselsan. Dubbed Steel Dome, the programme joins Israel’s Iron Dome, the US Golden Dome, India’s Mission Sudarshan Chakra and South Korea’s low-altitude missile defence system.
-
![DSEI 2025: MARSS unveils new agnostic multidomain C4 system]()
DSEI 2025: MARSS unveils new agnostic multidomain C4 system
MARSS’ NiDAR system has been deployed using sensors from static platforms to provide detection and protection for static sights, such as critical infrastructure, ports and military bases.
