The All.Space Hydra 4 terminal. Photo: All.Space

The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) will test an All.Space Hydra 4 multi-band, multi-orbit mobility terminal to inform short-term satcom architecture decisions. 

The Hydra 4 mobility terminal is designed to deliver simultaneous connection across military Ka-band, commercial Ka-, Ku-, and L-band. It is designed to operate across Ka-band, as well as with the Starlink constellation and the Iridium constellation, according to All.Space’s product specifications. 

RCN plans to conduct shore-based testing at the Maritime Forces Pacific facilities in Victoria, British Columbia, which will inform its short-term satcom architecture decisions. All.Space said this could include a potential fleet-wide deployment of Hydra MAX on platforms such as Halifax-class frigates and Harry DeWolf-class arctic offshore patrol vessels. 

Hydra MAX is the next-generation terminal on the roadmap, which would include Telesat Lightspeed and Amazon Leo and deliver up to 500 MHz of instantaneous bandwidth per beam for a total of 1 GHz aggregate in Ka-band. 

“The RCN’s evaluation highlights the operational importance of reliable multi-orbit connectivity. With Hydra 4 available today and Hydra MAX on the roadmap, naval teams can maintain continuous, intelligent communications while on the move, from southern waters to the High North, regardless of orbit or threat,” All.Space CEO Paul McCarter said in a statement.