AirPatrol was designed by Astrium Services' Secure Satcom Systems as a next generation of airborne satcom terminal. The terminal is designed to provide end users with a lightweight, high performance communications module capable of operating in the most demanding conditions and is compatable with all types of aircraft. The use of carbon composite material in the antenna design permit a higher level of radio frequency path integration resulting in improved peformance when compared with the standard aluminium antennas.

AirPatrol has been developed in response to the growing demand from customers who are increasingly reliant on the secure transmission of video, multispectral and radar imagery, particularly from UAVs. AirPatrol's capacity to transmit large volumes of data ensure that it is possible to stream live images from UAV reconnaissance missions directly to ground received.

Typically, AirPatrol weights just 16kg which ensures that the terminal has a minimum impact on an aircraft's overall flight performance. It is the latest example of Astrium's position as the European supplier of dual use and high-security satellite communications equipment and networks. The AirPatrol is the result of around two years' worth of work by 20 workers belonging to Astrium Services' Satcom Systems, based at the Portsmouth facility. 

For more information about this product and company, please visit www.astrium.eads.net/node.php?articleid=5465.