Cobham Antenna approved for Inmarsat Global Xpress
Cobham SATCOM has received Inmarsat Type Approval for operation of its EXPLORER 8100GX one metre antenna system on the Global Xpress satellite network.
As the first Auto-Acquire, Drive-Away Antenna System for Global Xpress to employ unique Cobham SATCOM developed stabilisation technology, Inmarsat Type Approval means that EXPLORER 8100GX is now ready to ensure high link availability and reliability for a variety of users in diverse sectors from broadcasting to defence. The terminal is available now with the first order being shipped this week.
EXPLORER 8100GX differs from other antennas through its ability to maintain a link to the Global Xpress network in any conditions, even during violent storms with winds up to 112 km/h. The durable design and the antenna’s unique Dynamic Pointing Correction (stabilisation) technology instantly reacts to any movement of the vehicle it is installed on, caused by i.e. high winds or people getting in or out. Without stabilisation, this movement can severely degrade the connection or result in complete loss of link, but with EXPLORER 8100GX, the user experiences continuous high-speed connectivity. Stabilisation is even more important on the High Throughput Satellite (HTS) Ka-band satellite networks such as Inmarsat Global Xpress and Telenor Thor 7, which require better pointing accuracy than Ku-band services to maintain a stable, high-bandwidth link to the satellite.
Announced in September 2017, the new EXPLORER 8100GX expands Cobham SATCOM’s EXPLORER 8000 series, which already includes 1 and 1.2 metre antennas for global Ku-band satellite services and Eutelsat’s Ka-band NewsSpotter service. Without the GX Core Module, the EXPLORER 8100GX system can be used as a generic 5W BUC Ka-band antenna Type Approved for the Telenor Thor 7 network. Understanding the need for flexibility and modularity in its portfolio, Cobham SATCOM also offers field conversion kits, allowing EXPLORER 8000 series antennas to be converted from Ku-band to Ka-band and to GX.
In addition to unparalleled Comms-On-The-Pause performance enabled by integral durability and ruggedness, and the inclusion of Dynamic Pointing Correction technology, the EXPLORER 8000 series also delivers further benefits. The industry-leading fast satellite acquisition with initial pointing achieved in less than four minutes makes getting connected to a satellite a quick and easy process.
“We are delighted to receive Inmarsat Type Approval, which comes after extensive testing to ensure that EXPLORER 8100GX is fully compatible with the Global Xpress network,” said Henrik Nørrelykke, Vice President, Global Sales & Marketing, Land Mobile, Cobham SATCOM. “EXPLORER 8100GX was added to the EXPLORER 8000 series to meet specific demand in the market from users looking for the highest reliability possible on Global Xpress. With Type Approval, we are now ready to provide this.”