ESA antenna strengthens Adaro C2 and ISR capabilities
Israel-based Get SAT is providing its Ultra-Blade L-band electronically steerable array (ESA) antenna to SeaLandAire Technologies for installation on the X-class Adaro small USV.
Both companies stated on 15 September that the lightweight Ultra-Blade on Adaro would aid BLoS C2 and ISR exfiltration, using a high-capacity L-band service provided by Inmarsat Government and enabling full-motion video backhaul.
Ultra-Blade is the first complete all-planes ESA antenna to be offered on the market with no moving parts. Get SAT claims more than 90% antenna efficiency and the unprecedented capability to independently track any L-band satellite.
SeaLandAire President David Sparks claimed that the Adaro project ‘is an important stride towards the future of USV surveillance operations’.
Adaro is being developed for the DoD. According to Shephard Defence Insight, the USV is powered by a series-hybrid energy system for quiet operation, including at top speeds, while the heavy fuel-based range extender significantly lengthens mission life.
The USV has a maximum speed of more than 25kt and a range of up to 370km (depending on conditions and payloads). It can be controlled manually or autonomously using waypoint, line follow, and station keeping modes.
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