Hughes HM Series Modem, System Provides Robust, Secure Uplink for Remote Piloted Aircraft

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and Hughes Network Systems have demonstrated a multi-orbit satellite uplink to control an MQ-9B SkyGuardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft from afar.

The test used a high data rate SATCOM transmission system leveraging medium Earth orbit, low-latency geostationary satellites communicating through a Hughes HM series modem and proprietary Resource Management System. The success has proven the capacity for long range BLOS at much higher data rates than previous systems, allowing for increased data security, higher resolution returns, and robust connection. The Hughes equipment onboard the aircraft proved capable of optimizing and switching satellite signals smoothly in seconds, demonstrating a "near real-time capability that enhances the military’s Primary Alternative Contingency Emergency (PACE) planning."

“This demonstration proves the importance of next generation SATCOM for operators of our aircraft,” said GA-ASI Senior Vice President for MQ-9 Systems, Fred Darlington. “As we expand into new and more intricate payloads for our RPA, we’ll require higher data rates that provide the bandwidth, security and robustness to operate our sensors.”

“We are very proud of our partnership developed over the years between SES, GA-ASI and their government customers. Innovation is the key in supporting transformational changes in the ISR services, and this demonstration is one more example of how the industry can work together to bring something special to market,” said Will Tong, Vice President of Strategic Government Initiatives and head of the Aero ISR market at SES. “Together with GA-ASI, we were able to prove out new levels of secure, flexible and high-performance multi-orbit services for ISR, with 10x performance on a significantly smaller form factor, with increased resiliency and security for the end users.”

“Working together with General Atomics for many years, we are pleased to support the MQ-9B program with the commercially based Hughes HM400 modem integrated as the standard for real-time communications for beyond line of sight mission opportunities,” said Rick Lober, Vice President and General Manager, Hughes Defense. “Combined with the Hughes Resource Management System, the frequency-agnostic, open architecture HM System helps GA-ASI meet their military customer’s requirements for uninterrupted, high data rate, multi-orbit SATCOM, ensuring secure information accessibility for the right people at the right time.”

FMI: www.ga-asi.com