Airbus’ satellite communications system offered data links for HMS Queen Elizabeth’s trials

The Airbus military satellite communications kit deployed on-board the British Royal Navy's future flagship Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, has provided the vessel with vital data links during its sea trials.

Airbus installed two 2.2m satellite communications on-board terminal (SCOTs) antenna on the vessel, which link the ship via the hardened Skynet 5 military satellites in geostationary orbit.

The 65,000t HMS Queen Elizabeth also features Airbus’ full maritime terminal system that provides the aircraft carrier with secure and reliable communications worldwide.

This enabled both HMS Queen Elizabeth's crew and the shipbuilder to gather trial data and maintain the information flow back to shore, thereby allowing data to be transmitted as the sea trials were carried out.

Airbus Defence and Space Secure Communications head Richard Franklin said: “It was of the utmost importance to be able to install the satellite communications for HMS Queen Elizabeth’s first voyage.

“We are proud to support the future operations of this great warship and its 1,600 crew members, thanks to our constellation providing the highest reliable satellite communications even in the most severe conditions worldwide.”

The installation and testing of Airbus’ secure military satellite communications system were completed before the Royal Navy’s newest aircraft carrier departed from Rosyth for its first voyage.

HMS Queen Elizabeth previously arrived at its new homeport in Portsmouth, UK, last week.

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Image: Britain’s future flagship HMS Queen Elizabeth. Photo: courtesy of Andrew Linnett / MoD.