OilComm 2015, Houston - Cobham SATCOM will show its new cutting-edge range of super-light, compact Ka-band VSAT antennas to the Oil & Gas industry for the first time at OilComm 2015 (booth #603). The leading satcom antenna developer's all-new SAILOR 60 GX and SAILOR 600 VSAT Ka are based on a unique high performance Ka-band VSAT platform designed to deliver best in class performance on Inmarsat's new Global Xpress® network world-wide or on Telenor Satellite Broadcasting's THOR 7 High Throughput Satellite (HTS) services in Europe.

Sharing the same advanced design and lightweight carbon fibre composites/aluminium construction, the SAILOR 60 GX and SAILOR 600 VSAT Ka weigh just 82 lbs/37 kg. Whilst being some of the lightest Ka-band antennas in the 60cm class, both retain the performance and reliability of larger SAILOR VSAT and GX antennas, already recognised as leading technology solutions for maritime broadband. For offshore vessels with space restrictions, SAILOR 600 VSAT Ka and THOR 7, and the combination of SAILOR 60 GX, SAILOR FleetBroadband and Inmarsat Fleet Xpress meet the demand for fast, reliable connectivity and voice calling to support operational and crew communication.

Joining the extensive Cobham SATCOM VSAT antenna portfolio, which already includes 100cm (39.37 inches) class antenna systems for Inmarsat and Telenor's new services, the smaller, lighter SAILOR 60 GX and SAILOR 600 VSAT Ka are easily lifted or carried on board for installation. This can reduce costs significantly and the use of modern, lightweight materials that make easy handling possible, does not affect link performance. In fact, like all SAILOR VSAT antennas, SAILOR 60 GX and SAILOR 600 VSAT Ka offer class leading RF radio performance, which ensures high reliability and availability of broadband on board.

The SAILOR 60 GX and SAILOR 600 VSAT Ka also introduce other significant installation benefits, especially for smaller offshore vessels and workboats, which can now operate smarter through harnessing the power of HTS services. The optimal size/performance balance of Cobham SATCOM's new antennas is possible because HTS services use spot beams instead of wide beams, so with advanced engineering and software design, they can operate anywhere in the satellite footprint and provide a strong link to the satellite.

Installation of both new antenna systems is easy, thanks to a wealth of features and details unique to the SAILOR VSAT technology platform, including a single cable between antenna and below deck equipment for RF, power and data, Automatic Azimuth Calibration and Automatic Cable Calibration. Both antennas come pre-configured for their specific satellite network, which enables 'one touch commissioning', meaning they can be online in seconds with no requirement to contact the Network Operations Centre (NOC). Additionally, the use of Dynamic Motor Brakes inside the antennas removes the requirement for mechanical brake straps, ensuring antenna balance in no-power situations at sea or during transport.

"SAILOR 60 GX and SAILOR 600 VSAT Ka support smaller offshore vessel owners to streamline their spend on communication technology, whilst ensuring access to the best connectivity to help them to operate smarter and more cost-effectively," says Jens Ewerling, Director, Maritime Broadband, Cobham SATCOM. "The spot-beam architecture of Ka-band HTS networks encourages smaller reflector dish sizes and therefore reduces the size and weight of the antenna. By reducing the cost and complexity of installation and enabling the best RF performance, we are opening the door for a more diverse maritime VSAT market."

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.

We protect lives and livelihoods with our differentiated technology and know-how, operating with a deep insight into customer needs and agility. Our innovative range of technologies and services solve challenging problems in harsh environments across commercial, defence and security markets, from deep space to the depths of the ocean, specialising in meeting the growing demand for data, connectivity and bandwidth.

We employ more than 12,000 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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