Skyware Global enters tactical satellite market

Skyware Global has established the Tactical Ground Systems (TGS) division to enter the tactical satellite market. This division will exploit the company’s existing in-house antenna and RF electronics design capabilities – as well as its high-quality, high-volume production and low-cost credentials – to offer affordable solutions for fixed, motorized and mobile tactical terminals for Defense, Homeland Security, Intelligence, First Responder, Emergency Services and other government and stringent commercial applications.

The TGS Group is rolling out a portfolio of products focusing on turnkey solutions for vehicle-mounted, FlyAway and ManPack platforms in sizes ranging from 45cm to 2.4m and operating at C, X, Ku and Ka frequency bands.

David C. McCourt, CEO, Skyware Global, says, “Skyware Global’s long-term objective is to exploit our in-house antenna and RF electronics design capabilities to offer a truly holistic, integrated design approach which, in conjunction with our low-cost manufacturing and production methods, is unique in this industry. In a world of decreasing budgets and increasing demand we intend to offer a portfolio of affordable solutions to the tactical community. We see this market as being underserved and, given the financial climate, believe we are well positioned to take advantage of this opportunity with our high-tech, low-cost credentials. Our expanding research and development department and the recent opening of a facility in Washington DC demonstrate our commitment to the industry.”

Dr. David Geen has been appointed Vice President of Tactical Ground Systems and will head up the new group alongside Mr. McCourt. Dr. Geen has over 15 years’ experience in the design of communication systems for both terrestrial and satellite operations and has spent the past nine years managing the company’s development of VSAT, broadband and DTH antenna terminals.

Dr Geen says, “By establishing the TGS division we have the vehicle to deliver affordable innovation in what has traditionally been a high-cost market. We are already developing unique technologies in reflector deployment and transceiver electronics at Ka-band that will provide game-changing differentiators to our customers. Our proven track record in offering deeply integrated solutions, including third-party modems, will also appeal to the tactical market. With the drive to provide enhanced communications across the tactical edge, our intention is to offer significantly improved volume breaks to facilitate the rollout of communications equipment to more users.”

The company has also appointed Ian Felkner as Senior Product Engineer for the TGS group. Mr. Felkner has more than 12 years’ experience in the defense/aerospace industry, comprising specialism in flight hardware and avionics, armored military amphibious assault vehicles, secure tactical military communications products and experimental UAV vehicles. He will work out of the company’s new engineering facility in Washington DC and report directly to Dr. Geen.