L-3 wins Australian SATCOM terminal contract
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has selected L-3 Communications to supply 51 Hawkeye III Lite 1.2-meter Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSATs) as part of its wider programme to deploy an integrated wideband satellite communications capability. The $38.5 million contract includes the terminals, training and long-term sustainment services.
The contract will see L-3 Communications deliver one type of a family of transportable land terminals that will optimise the early use of Australia’s SATCOM system and provide communication services where commercial satellite resources are limited. The capability is scheduled for delivery in 2014.
John Mega, president of L-3’s Microwave Group, said: ‘This is L-3’s first entry into the Australian SATCOM market and this immediate success recognises the quality of our products and solutions. Australia is an emerging market for WGS-qualified terminals and we look forward to establishing a long-term partnership with the ADF and other local suppliers.’
The Hawkeye III systems will provide ARSTRAT-certified Ka- and X-Band, as well as commercial Ku-Band capability, in a very compact, fly-away package. L-3’s Australian division, L-3 Oceania, is leading the execution of the contract, which includes system deliveries over a 12-month period, followed by an initial three-year sustainment programme.
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