Nor-Shipping 2017, Oslo - Cobham SATCOM's SAILOR and Sea Tel antennas have been used by one the world's leading maritime VSAT service providers, Marlink, to test the upper limits of throughput on the new Intelsat 33e (IS-33e) satellite. The testing at Marlink's Eik teleport included Cobham SATCOM's Sea Tel 9711 IMA , Sea Tel 6012 VSAT and SAILOR 900 VSAT High Power systems, all of which demonstrated high throughput capabilities.

IS-33e is the third of seven new High Throughput Satellites (HTS) that power Intelsat's next generation Epic^NG network, an exciting new platform for very high-speed maritime broadband. The purpose of Marlink's IS-33e testing was to verify throughput for diverse maritime antennas from major manufacturers on the latest Epic^NG satellite, which is located at 60° East, providing seamless spot beam coverage between Asia and Europe.

Epic^NG is a key component of Marlink's multi-band global Sealink network, which seamlessly combines multiple communication carriers to provide the best available link based on pre-defined parameters set and managed by the customer. Marlink's technology agnostic portfolio leverages the power of the leading satellite networks and on board hardware, including Cobham SATCOM SAILOR and Sea Tel antennas, to provide flexible, reliable services globally.

Marlink's antenna testing supports its ability to deliver high availability of service globally by providing valuable insight into the capabilities of the antennas it installs on customer vessels. For IS-33e, the goal was to ascertain maximum throughput levels on different size antennas over a HTS.

"Antenna testing is an important part of our overall service delivery, as it helps to ensure we can provide the best quality service with the highest uptime for our customers," said Tore Morten Olsen, President Maritime, Marlink. "Marlink offers a technology agnostic approach to service and hardware provision, and working closely with antenna manufacturers like Cobham SATCOM supports our ability to deliver the level of service our customers require."

Cobham SATCOM's innovative scientific approach to antenna design results in the high performance recorded during Marlink's testing. During development, SAILOR antennas are tested using real ship motion data in the world's first Advanced Dynamic Simulator for antennas. Supported by live testing in the North Sea, this scientific approach to product development provides the confidence that SAILOR antennas will deliver the highest speeds and availability of service.

"SAILOR and Sea Tel antennas are designed to deliver optimal performance on the uplink and downlink, providing service providers like Marlink with a tool to support their delivery of high-speed and reliable connectivity," said Jens Ewerling, Director, Maritime Broadband. "Marlink's tests show that Cobham antennas can deliver the full potential of new HTS services, helping vessels and fleets to digitalise operations for more safety and efficiency."

About Cobham SATCOM

Providing dependable communications and internet access anywhere under the most demanding conditions.

Our satellite and radio communication terminals perform in the most challenging and remote environments on land, at sea and in the air.

We design and manufacture these high performance products under the AVIATOR, EXPLORER, SAILOR and Sea Tel brands providing customers with outstanding performance, value and support through our global sales and service network.

About Cobham

The most important thing we build is trust.

Cobham is a leading global technology and services innovator, respected for providing solutions to the most challenging problems, from deep space to the depths of the ocean.

We employ around 11,000 people on five continents, and have customers and partners in over 100 countries, with market leading positions in: wireless, audio, video and data communications, including satellite communications; defence electronics; air-to-air refuelling; aviation services; life support and mission equipment.

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