Orbit Communications Systems Ltd. announced today that it intends to expand the development of its new Multi-Purpose Terminal (MPT) for airborne satcom to include helicopters.

The company received an order for approximately US$3 million from a global provider of defense products and services for the delivery of helicopter systems to a leading air force between 2018 and 2022.

Built to military standard (MIL-STD), the 30-cm antenna (MPT30) will deliver data communications via satellite to a wide range of military helicopters. The system was designed to overcome the many challenges posed by helicopter installations, such as constant vibration and the need for a self-cooling mechanism when placed behind the exhaust systems.

"Our decision to extend the development of our Multi-Purpose Terminals to helicopters was prompted by market demand," explained Eitan Livneh, CEO of Orbit. "Time to market is a key factor and our ability to tailor our technology to customer needs is proving to be a very attractive and marketable commodity."