ThinKom Solutions, Inc. and Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) have integrated the ThinAir GT 2517 phased-array satcom antenna with SNC's RAPCON-X aircraft, marking progress in aerial intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (A-ISR) capabilities. The aircraft recently completed its maiden flight, an important milestone for the U.S. Army's ATHENA (Theatre Level High Altitude Expeditionary Next Airborne ISR) project.
The RAPCON-X is based on the Bombardier Global 6500 jet and is designed to serve as a flexible, rapidly configurable A-ISR platform. It supports multi-domain operations with advanced sensing capabilities tailored for engagement with peer and near-peer adversaries. ThinKom’s GT 2517 antenna provides beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) network connectivity, a critical element for such operations.
"As the primary communications pipeline deployed on SNC’s RAPCON-X aircraft, ThinKom's GT 2517 reliably and securely supports assured mission success whenever and wherever needed," said Bill Milroy, Chairman and CTO of ThinKom. "The open-architecture platform provides robust and resilient command, control, and communications capabilities. It is currently operating securely on both civil and government satellite constellations across multiple orbital planes, supporting the most advanced protected waveforms of today and tomorrow."
The RAPCON-X aircraft is designed for swift deployment, with a range enabling immediate global operations. Its aerodynamic design, featuring a low-profile radome, reduces drag, thereby improving fuel efficiency and extending operational time on station.
“ThinKom provides us with a proven multi-orbit platform, delivering flexibility and high-throughput capability to enable a true paradigm shift for high-altitude A-ISR capabilities,” said Tim Harper, SNC’s Vice President of Business Development.
The GT 2517 antenna supports seamless transitions between geostationary (GEO) and non-geostationary (NGSO) networks, ensuring efficient connectivity worldwide. This capability is underpinned by a U.S. military-compliant modem, enabling secure and reliable broadband communication during flight.
This integration enhances the RAPCON-X’s ability to meet diverse mission requirements while supporting the ATHENA programme's objectives.
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