Norsat contracted by US military contractor to supply MarineLink terminals

Norsat International, a provider of communication solutions, has received a $2.7m contract from an undisclosed US military contractor to supply its Ku-Band and Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS)-certified X-Band marine VSAT terminals for enhanced sea-borne communications.

Under the terms of the agreement, Norsat will supply its MarineLink COM12 1.2m and MarineLink COM15X 1.5m dual antenna maritime VSAT terminals to facilitate satellite communications for maritime vessels, including naval ships.

In addition, Norsat’s proprietary Low Noise Block downconverters (LNB) and class-leading efficient ATOM Block Upconverters (BUC) will be integrated into the MarineLink terminals.

Norsat president and CEO Amiee Chan said: "We are very pleased to have been selected to provide our newest generation of Maritime VSAT terminals for a major US military contractor. The reliability of our products in remote and challenging environments, such as maritime operations, continues to be a significant market opportunity for Norsat.

"This contract complements our expanding backlog of satellite orders and improves upon our long-term visibility.

Both the MarineLink terminals are equipped with Norsat’s technical upgrades such as heavy-duty industrial grade motors, advanced high-speed acceleration and braking, high gain and low-loss antenna and RF filter chain, and conformance to military standards for high impact shock, vibration, and electromagnetic compatibility.

The COM15X is expected to undergo ARSTRAT’s WGS certification process allowing it to operate on the high-capacity WGS satellite constellation controlled and operated by the US government.

The delivery of MarineLink terminals are expected to commence by the end of 2016.