Tampa Microwave Selected to Provide Next Generation X and Ku Band VSAT Terminal

TAMPA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Pacific Star Communications Inc. (PacStar) has selected Tampa Microwave to provide X and Ku Band Flyaway VSAT terminals in support of Department of Defense communications requirements. The contract calls for the initial delivery of seven dual-band systems along with spares and WGS certification. The light weight, fully configurable Tampa Microwave TM-FA150 system can operate at either X or Ku bands by substituting antenna feeds and solid state power amplifiers. The terminal will be fully certified for operation on the Government’s WGS satellite, XTAR’s X band and Intelsat’s Ku band service. The terminal will complete WGS certification testing in the 2^nd quarter of 2010.

Key technical parameters of the unit include Wavestream 200 W X band and 80 W Ku band power amplifiers, an outdoor, passively cooled modem that utilizes iDirect’s latest E850MP TDMA technology and IATA compliant packaging. The entire system is contained in a total of seven transit cases, each weighing less than the limit of 70 lbs for baggage checked on commercial airlines. Total system weight is approximately 400 lbs versus the 12 case / 1290 lb AN/USC-67 terminal that is currently fielded The system fully meets the key mission requirements for a ruggedized, deployable terminal that provides high bandwidth, flexibility in frequency and increased capability for transmission of Defense Information Systems Network (DISN) services.

Obie Johnson, VP of Advanced Development at Tampa Microwave, said, “The portability of this system, combined with its substantial transmitted solid state power, makes it a valuable resource for quick reaction and early entry teams deploying to areas not served by traditional communications infrastructure. Tampa Microwave intends to continue innovating in this market space by utilizing new technology to fill requirements for terminals of this size."

Tampa Microwave is a veteran owned small business located in Tampa Florida. The company designs and manufactures man-portable and VSAT satellite terminals, RF and Microwave modules for communications systems and specialized test equipment including satellite simulators, spectrum analyzers, and carrier monitors from L through Ka-band.