British Royal Air Force (RAF) medic with deployable aeromedical response team. Photo: U.K. MOD

[Via Satellite 04-01-2015] Airbus Defence and Space and Spectra Group have teamed up to extend government tactical radio reach Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) using satcom from Inmarsat. The service leverages Spectra’s SlingShot device, which converts existing radios to satellite-enabled devices, to connect using Inmarsat’s L-band Tactical Satellite (L-TAC) service. The partnership brings BLOS voice and data communications for Airbus Defence and Space’s Ultra High Frequency (UHF) customers to areas where they cannot access radio coverage.

Inmarsat’s 25kHz channels can be split into a variety of sub-channels, as well as single, customized and multi-operational beams. According to Airbus Defence and Space, the solution makes satcom for tactical, vehicle and maritime users more accessible for smaller deployments.