Next generation SAILOR VSAT technology enables high-speed broadband on yachts and other small vessels

Monaco Yacht Show 2015 – The team at Cobham SATCOM unveiled a new generation of 60cm Ka-band VSAT antenna systems at Monaco Yacht Show. The all-new SAILOR 60 GX and SAILOR 600 VSAT Ka are based on a unique super-light, high performance Ka-band VSAT platform designed to deliver best in class performance on new Inmarsat Global Xpress® and Telenor THOR 7 High Throughput Satellites (HTS) services.

Sharing the same advanced design and lightweight carbon fibre composites/aluminium construction, the SAILOR 60 GX and SAILOR 600 VSAT Ka weigh just 37kg. Whilst being the lightest antennas in the 60cm VSAT class, both retain the performance and reliability of larger SAILOR VSAT and GX antennas, already recognised as leading technology solutions for maritime broadband. For yachts, fishing vessels, short sea shipping and ships with space restrictions, SAILOR 600 VSAT Ka and THOR 7, and the combination of SAILOR 60 GX, SAILOR FleetBroadband and Inmarsat Fleet Xpress meet the demand from owners, guests and crew for maritime Internet closer to that experienced on land.

Joining the extensive Cobham SATCOM VSAT antenna portfolio, which already includes 100cm class antenna systems for new Inmarsat and Telenor Ka band HTS services, the smaller, lighter SAILOR 60 GX and SAILOR 600 VSAT Ka are easily lifted or carried onto a yacht and installed without taking-up too much precious space. This can reduce installation costs significantly and the use of modern, lightweight materials does not affect performance. In fact, like all SAILOR VSAT antennas, SAILOR 60 GX and SAILOR 600 VSAT Ka offer class leading radio performance, which ensures high reliability and availability of broadband on board.

The SAILOR 60 GX and SAILOR 600 VSAT Ka also introduce other significant installation benefits, especially for smaller craft, which can now operate smarter through harnessing the power of HTS VSAT services. The optimal size/performance balance of Cobham SATCOM’s new antennas is possible because HTS services use spot beams instead of wide beams, so with advanced engineering and software design, they can operate anywhere in the satellite footprint and provide a strong link to the satellite.

Installation of both new antenna systems is easy, thanks to a wealth of features and details unique to the SAILOR VSAT technology platform, including a single cable between antenna and below deck equipment for RF, power and data, and Automatic Azimuth Calibration and Automatic Cable Calibration for unique ‘one touch commissioning’. Additionally, the use of Dynamic Motor Brakes inside the antennas removes the requirement for mechanical brake straps, ensuring antenna balance in no-power situations at sea or during transport.

“The spot-beam architecture of Ka-band HTS networks encourages smaller reflector dish sizes and therefore reduces the size and weight of the antenna. Also, by reducing the cost and complexity of installation and enabling the best RF performance, we are opening the door for a more diverse maritime VSAT market,” says Jens Ewerling, Director, Maritime Broadband, Cobham SATCOM. “With SAILOR 60 GX and SAILOR 600 VSAT Ka smaller vessels and recreational craft can now consider moving to the high throughput broadband connectivity of their choice, and enjoy speeds and reliability close to that delivered using much larger VSAT antennas.”

Telemar Yachting, a subsidiary of CG Telemar was the first Cobham SATCOM partner to show the innovative new SAILOR 60 GX antenna system at the Monaco Yacht Show.