Ruselectronics, a Rostec company has unveiled a new-generation military satellite-on-the-move (SOTM) systems for seamless communications. The Loshtina-GUS SOTM was launched earlier this year. The terminal has already passed the state testing effort undertaken by the Russian MoD and is slated for delivery in the second half of 2017. The system has been designed by AO NPP Radiosvyaz in Krasnoyarsk.
Satellite-Communications-on-the-Move (SOTM) systems are basically a system of satellite antennas established over vehicles so as to enable communications with a satellite and maintain the communication link while the vehicle is moving. Modern Military Operations often employ commercial satellites to fulfill theater capacity requirements. However, as modern warfare is highly asymmetric and mobile, military units desire a SATCOM-on-the-move system.
The Loshtina-GUS SOTM based on the R - 444 - D radio, is installed on a Tigr-M SpN armoured mobility vehicle and provides on-the-move data and voice communications in difficult terrain, including on the battlefield. The low-profile antenna is integrated on the vehicle’s rooftop and the armoured protection of the vehicle provides a degree of battlefield survivability.
The antenna can be automatically steered to track the selected satellite and the system is also advertised as able to work round o’clock in harsh climatic conditions. The operator can also set a remote workplace at a considerable distance from the vehicle.
The Loshtina-GUS provides a high rate data transfer (up to 2048 kbit/s), useful for conducting videoconferences and telephone communications as well as the transmission of encrypted data using various re-translator satellites of the Russian military such as the Globus-1M, Meridian, Sphera, Blagovest, Yamal and Express-AM.
