EM Solutions has been contracted to develop a Ka-band On-The-Move Satellite Communications System from Round 12 of Australia’s Defence Capability & Technology Demonstrator (CTD) Program. EM Solutions will partner with BAE Systems Australia on the CTD Project.

The CTD Program supports priority defence capability development by funding Australian industry to demonstrate new technology. The technology demonstrations inform Defence of the potential performance and technical risk associated with future implementation. The Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) manages the CTD Program on behalf of Australian Defence. EM Solutions has proposed an Australian-designed Mounted Battle Command On-The-Move communications system. The proposed system will be designed to be integrated onto a variety of military platforms and would provide the Australian Defence Force (ADF) with enhanced mobile communications enabling command & control, and situational awareness on the move. Enhanced communications will include IP Voice, Data and Video between Land and Maritime Terminals and the MBCOTM Terminal.

The development of a Ka-band satellite tracking antenna system is a strategic decision by EM Solutions. Until now, EM Solutions has concentrated on development of Radio Frequency (RF) components as part of military systems developed by other vendors. The CTD Project will provide EM Solutions an opportunity to develop an antenna subsystem where a high level of integration of the RF and antenna is required to achieve product performance targets. BAE Systems will provide valuable experience and competencies in system and antenna design, baseband architecture, vehicle integration, and system testing. EM Solutions recognizes the CTD program as extremely important to its business, as it provides an opportunity for an Australian SME, Defence Prime (BAE Systems) and a potential End User to define develop and test an emerging capability for the ADF. The CTD offers the ADF an opportunity to investigate and demonstrate a Mounted Battle Command On-The-Move satellite communications system at Ka-band, suitable for operation with the Wideband Global Satcom (WGS) System, and examine its potential as a key system supporting the ADF’s Network Centric Warfare strategy. Learn more at this site.