By Gavan Collett, International Sales for Military Satellite Communication Solutions, ND SatCom, ND SatCom Defence GmbH
Subscribe1.9 Meter Tri-Band FlyAway. System Overview The ND SatCom MFT1900 FlyAway is designed for a host of C-, X- or Ku-band satellite communications applications in which transportability is key.
These can range from temporary low-bitrate VSAT field communication facilities to fast DVB video and audio reporting missions in remote locations. Contained in robust, lightweight and weatherproof cases, the FlyAway system offers manifold transportation possibilities. The transport case dimensions meet the IATA requirements for air carriage. Based on the supplied framework and mount construction, the MFT1900 can be assembled and ready for operation within 30 minutes. Error free communication is achieved in wind speeds in excess of 60 km/h (40 mph).
MFT1900 in operation
Antenna Subsystem
A manual azimuth and elevation mount provides the basis for the antenna subsystem. Measuring 1.5 meters across flats and 1.9 meters peak to peak, the diamond-shaped reflector dissects into 4 panels for transport purposes. Feedarm and feed complete the assembly whereby the feed polarization can be manually adjusted from behind the antenna reflector. All components are locked together using quick-release fasteners.
Radio Frequency Subsystems
ND SatCom Defence delivers the MFT1900 FlyAway pre-configured to meet the individual requirements of its individual customers. A large number of options are available for single band and tri-band operation. Whilst manufacturing its own TWTAs, Frequency Converters, LNBs and waveguide switching systems, ND SatCom Defence also sources a wealth of high quality commercial-off-the-shelf RF components from renowned suppliers.
Modems
The FlyAway is capable of both SCPC and TDMA operation, separately and combined. Depending on the customers broadcast or communication requirements, modems from various manufacturers can be integrated. ND SatCom’s own SkyWAN® product line includes Indoor Units (IDUs) for building broadband MF-TDMA mesh DAMA VSAT networks which support voice, data and video applications at speeds ranging from 64 kbit/s to 8.75 Mbit/s.
Baseband Equipment
Whether transmitting or receiving high quality MPEG video information, or providing plain telephone communications, ND SatCom Defence will supply and integrate the necessary baseband equipment to do the job. This equipment is generally mounted in a separate transport case along with a signal distribution panel. The equipment is operated from the front panel.
Other Equipment
The station is delivered with the complete cabling including flex waveguide with quick-fit flange, HF cables, power cables, electric power distribution, grounding cables, mount framework and standard system documentation.
Transportation Cases
All system components are contained in robust, weatherproof aluminium cases. The electronic equipment cases are fitted with vibration, shock and jolt proof 19” racks. All cases are designed for transport with almost any vehicle and meet the IATA dimensioning regulations.
Test and Measurement Equipment
ND SatCom Defence provides, at the customer’s request, a range of test and measuring equipment with the FlyAway system. The actual requirement depends on the application, but can include spectrum analyser, powermeter, MPEG bitrate error indicator, SAT-Finder and radiation measurement instrument.
Standards and Classification
The system is fully compliant with EUTELSAT, INTELSAT and ASIASAT specifications and also fulfils further standards and regulations for Satellite News Gathering (ETSI, EN, VDE, CE). The system possesses a Type Approval and a compliance statement is available.
Key System Features
- High performance reflector with precise surface, high EIRP and low sidelobes
- Highly robust and rigid construction
- Tri-band (C-, Ku and X) or single band operation possible
- Precision manual antenna azimuth, elevation and polarization alignment
- Compact stowage in shock and weatherproof cases for transportation
- INTELSAT, EUTELSAT and ASIASAT Type Approved system
- Tri-band and single band TWTA and Frequency Converters available from ND SatCom
- Available for a variety of transmit and receive applications from VSAT telephony to high quality DVB/MPEG broadcasting
- Turnkey system delivery to customers requirements
- 24x7 support for the complete system through ND SatCom Defence
2.4 Meter Tri-Band FlyAway
System Overview
The ND SatCom MFT2400 Tri-Band FlyAway Satellite Terminal consists of an Outdoor Unit (ODU) and two Indoor Units (IDU). It includes a 2.4 m segmented antenna equipped with feed systems for C-, X- and Ku-band, a tri-band HPA, and a tri-band Up/Downconverter to allow easy and low cost tri-band operation. The entire system is contained in 19 transport cases (12 cases for the antenna system and 7 cases for RF, baseband, tracking and other equipment) with a total weight of less than 700 kg and a transport volume of around 4 m3. Set up time by a crew of two persons is less than 45 minutes; a single person accomplishes terminal operation.
Tri-Band FlyAway Satellite Terminal shown with transport cases and IDU #1 and IDU #2
Antenna Subsystem
The ODU consists of a lightweight 2.4 m segmented antenna with carbon fibre composite reflector, aluminium support structure and a motorization package and feed systems for C-, X- and Ku-band, low noise amplifiers. The motorization package is provided for azimuth and elevation drive. Together with the resolvers, a beacon downconverter (RF/L converter) and the beacon receiver functionality of the ACU, tracking can be carried out on satellites with an inclination of as low as 2° (e.g. NATO, SKYNET).
Radio Frequency Subsystems
The RF Subsystem comprises a 350 watt outdoor tri-band TWTA, required waveguide filters, the outdoor tri-band Up/Downconverter, a power splitter and an outdoor RF-to-L converter for the tracking signal. The TWTA and converter are mounted behind the antenna reflector structure and the antenna pedestal, respectively. Connections between the ODU and the IDU #1 (inter facility link) are accomplished using three coaxial cables, two data cables and one power cable. All connections are implemented over patch panels.
Indoor Unit 1
The IDU #1 houses the IDU/ODU patch panel with lightning protection devices for all inter facility cables, the controller for the Up/Downconverter and the TWTA, the antenna control unit, the tracking receiver and an IDU patch panel.
Indoor Unit 2
The communication equipment, which provides the user interfaces and the access to the satellite channels, is housed in IDU #2. It is comprised of an IDU patchpanel and a Paradise P300 satellite modem. The P300 satellite modem is equipped with a multi standard baseband I/O interface and supports user data rates from 4.8 kbps up to 2048 Mbps. Additional equipment such as multiplexers or gateways can be provided if required.
Antenna Pointing and Satellite Tracking
The operator at the ODU carries out initial antenna pointing by using the GPS receiver and the SatelMaster equipment, both of which are included in our delivery. It is assumed that the customer will furnish an appropriate spectrum analyser. Once the earth stations antenna has been correctly pointed, the antenna control unit can perform automatic tracking of the satellite using proven satellite-tracking algorithms.
Key System Features
- High performance reflector with precise surface, high EIRP and low sidelobes
- Highly robust and rigid construction
- Tri-band (C-, Ku and X) or single band operation possible
- Precision manual antenna azimuth, elevation and polarization alignment
- Compact stowage in shock and weatherproof cases for transportation
- INTELSAT Type Approved and EUTELSAT and ASIASAT compliant
- Tri-band and single band TWTA and Frequency Converters available from ND SatCom
- Available for a variety of transmit and receive applications from VSAT telephony to high quality DVB/MPEG broadcasting
- Turnkey system delivery to customers requirements
- 24x7 support for the complete system through ND SatCom
