Intellian, a supplier of mobile satellite communication antenna systems, has unveiled the world’s first 1.5 m Global Xpress terminal.
The GX150NX will be commercially launch in 2020.
As the largest terminal to be available for the Inmarsat Fleet Xpress service following type approval and successful sea trials in 2020, the GX150NX will enable Global Xpress network users with high bandwidth demands to make use of the most resilient platform for digital and cloud-based operations, the company said.
The terminal will offer high-speed data throughout the Global Xpress Ka-band footprint, strengthened further with efficient RF design that delivers a superior performance on the Fleet Xpress service.
GX150NX features an optimised reflector and radome and is ready for operation on the forthcoming 2.5 GHz Wideband Ka networks, as well as GX5 satellites. Cruise and passenger ships will also experience more performance with a 10 W BUC.
Based on Intellian’s new NX technology platform, the GX150NX uses a single coaxial cable, which combines Tx, Rx, and DC power, to simplify installation.
It also introduces a new ‘All-in-One’ GX below deck terminal (BDT) which integrates an antenna control unit (ACU), a modem, a power supply, a 4-port switch, and a mediator in a single unit to further reduce the time and cost of installation in Intellian’s Fleet Xpress rack.
In addition, the GX150NX includes the new AptusNX antenna management and control platform. Common to all NX Series antennas, AptusNX comes with an installation wizard with a step-by-step commissioning guide for easier setup and enhanced diagnostic capabilities, including alerts for operators when predictive maintenance is required.
Eric Sung, Intellian CEO, added, “The GX150NX will be our flagship antenna for the Global Xpress network, and will be the largest available in the world today. This makes it an ideal solution for users in the offshore energy sector or passenger market; where reliable, high quality connectivity is in demand as a way to achieve sustainability in business, as well as for the environment.”
The terminal will enter the Inmarsat Type approval process in the next few weeks with forthcoming sea trials planned and with a commercial entry date scheduled for early 2020.
Intellian has also signed a strategic partnership with Japan Radio Co (JRC) in maritime satcomms antenna technology.
Through this strategic partnership, Intellian and JRC will start from the mutual provision of satellite terminals and technologies, considering joint development in the future.
Takayuki Komiya, JRC’s Executive Officer of Marine Systems Division, said: “The maritime industry is moving toward the era of smart shipping, and ship operators are looking for more insight into their operations to increase efficiency, productivity and to comply with regulations.
“In order to contribute to this demand, JRC provides a service to share navigation information between ships and land through JRC equipment installed on approximately one third of the world’s commercial vessels. What’s critical is a reliable, high-speed connection between the ships and land, and thus JRC believes firmly that this new partnership will lead to further improvement of customer satisfaction,” he said.
Intellian’s Sung added: “Intellian is the global leader in mobile satellite communication antenna systems, and a logical choice to partner with JRC. Our co-operation will broaden the market for both brands, allowing us to serve our combined customer bases across a wider range of applications. By sharing our expertise and experience, Intellian and JRC will provide a range of products and services which are second to none.”
