Philip Smart | Adelaide
Prime contractor Raytheon Australia has engaged L-3 Communications to provide 236 Hawkeye and Panther satellite communications terminals for the Australian Defence Force as part of Joint Project 2008 Phase 5B1, increasing the forces’ ability to communicate via the Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) satellite network.
The $81.8 million contract includes the Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSATs), additional support equipment and training and options for more terminals.
L-3 expects to complete delivery by the end of 2015.
The terminals will give ADF troops on the ground access to increased data rates and a higher level of network performance for voice, internet and video transmission.
The Panther is a lightweight man-portable terminal that can be packed in a rucksack or suitcase and is small enough to be checked in as airline luggage.
The larger “flyaway” Hawkeye is a quick-deploy system that automatically acquires a satellite when powered up.
The ADF previously acquired 54 L-3 Hawkeye III Lite terminals in a $35 million Joint Project 2008 Phase 3H contract awarded in 2013.
"The L-3 GCS SATCOM terminals are attractive to the Australian military for a number of reasons, including their certification for use on the WGS and their reputation within the U.S. Department of Defense for quality, performance and reliability,” said Bob Jacobson, president of L-3 GCS and L-3's Tactical SATCOM sector.
“Australia is an emerging market for WGS-certified terminals and we look forward to building on the valued relationship we share with our Australian partners."