Airbus DS Chooses Hughes As Its Satellite Terminal Development Partner For XeBRA Service

Airbus Defence and Space has chosen Hughes Network Systems as its terminal development partner for a new  X-band satellite terminal device service named XeBRA (Zee-brah).

Utilizing Hughes’ waveform technology is less than 12 lbs terminal and provides a portable voice and data capability suitable for tactical military environments.

Key to service delivery is the use of Airbus Defense and Space’s global X-band military communications satellite system (Skynet) whose unique features enable superior mobility with all the security benefits of X-band.

“The high power and unique beam forming capabilities of our four Skynet 5 satellites mean we can provide reliable and secure high broadband speed X-band services to small terminals. With this new small proven X-band terminal from Hughes we can enhance the mobility of users in the field,” says Colin Paynter, Head of Airbus Defense and Space UK.

The terminal is for transmitting full motion video via secure remote access. At less than 12 lbs (5.4 kg) in weight and approximately 3 x 10 x 9 inches (8 x 25.8 x 23 centimeters) in size, the terminal is the smallest X-band terminal available and can deliver up to 512 kbps through the Skynet 5 system, which is enough to transmit high quality video conferencing or online streaming services. It is easily stow able and man-portable for transport on foot for Communications on the Pause (COTP) operations, according to Hughes.

The Hughes terminal can operate with standard military battery packs. Satellite pointing and acquisition are got by using a built in LCD screen and an adjustable stand allows the terminal to maintain connectivity and throughput in harsh environmental conditions.