The US Navy has awarded a new contract to Leonardo DRS for the supply of portable satellite communications (Satcom) systems for its vessels.
The contract is valued at up to $10m and covers the production of mobile shipboard carry-on / off satellite communication systems (SCOSS) for integration on-board the navy’s ships.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
It will initially involve the delivery of a single system and up to ten units are planned to be acquired at a later date.
The deal was awarded by the US Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City Division.
SCOSS has been designed and built by Leonardo DRS’s Airborne & Intelligence Systems Business Unit and offers a secure network connection from stem to stern on both large and small naval vessels.
The system provides continuous service on wide-band satellite networks, which is said to compensate for issues relating to blocked shipboard networks.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataIn addition, SCOSS is capable of being moved off-ship for use on ground vehicles in order to ensure continuous high-bandwidth communication in the most demanding environments.
Leonardo DRS Airborne & Intelligence Systems Business Unit vice-president and general manager Larry Ezell said: “We are proud to provide this multi-domain satellite communications technology to customers with critical communications needs in the most austere operational conditions.
“Leonardo DRS looks forward to continue its support with our US Navy customer in the future.”
The SCOSS system is currently slated to be delivered to the US Navy next year.
It will be able to transmit and receive data at rates of up to 6MB per second using both commercial Ku and / or X-band frequencies.
The lightweight, compact and easily transportable design of the Leonardo DRS system allows for easy setup and operation within half an hour of boarding a navy vessel.
In addition, SCOSS features two terminals that connect with each other via a radio frequency (RF) convergence box, which automatically manages the antenna, while maintaining a continuous modem lock during transit.
