L-3 GCS announced today that it has been signed by Inmarsat as an initial launch partner for land satellite terminals for Inmarsat’s forthcoming Global Xpress service.

L-3 GCS brings the field-tested credibility that Global Xpress customers require when upgrading to Ka-band speed and coverage. By coupling L-3 GCS Panther™, and Hawkeye™, certified terminals with Inmarsat’s global managed services, customers will realize the value and flexibility of combining national MILSATCOM with on-demand commercial services under any operational scenario.

“We are particularly honored to have been selected as a VSAT terminal partner for Global Xpress. Our valued customers will now have access to not only the highest-quality, innovative, WGS-capable VSAT terminals, but also to on-demand commercial services with the superior speed and coverage of GlobalXpress,” said Bob Jacobson, president of L-3 GCS.

Scheduled for service introduction in 2014, Global Xpress will offer an unprecedented combination of high data rates, bandwidth and global coverage. Inmarsat’s new satellite network aligns with the trend by governments worldwide to shift operations to Ka-band and will provide super-fast uplink and downlink data rates. Global Xpress is the only global Ka-band system of its kind and will enhance L-3 GCS’ line of highly transportable, rugged and reliable terminals on a variety of applications and missions.

“Inmarsat is pleased to include L-3 GCS as a supplier of Global Xpress-qualified terminals. Government customers have come to rely on Panther and Hawkeye equipment for some of their most critical missions. They will be especially pleased that the outstanding performance and reliability they have come to expect in the field from L-3 GCS terminals will soon support global high-rate secure operations across our Global Xpress network,” said Peter Hadinger, vice president of government, Inmarsat Global Xpress.

Located in Victor, New York, L-3 GCS provides satellite communications (SATCOM) systems that integrate data, broadband Internet, telephony, multimedia, audio, video and computer networking. These systems are in use by the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security, as well as federal agencies and commercial sector customers.