Cobham brings high-speed maritime broadband to more yachts

Visitors to Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2017 on the hunt for the latest communication technology innovations for their yachts and motorboats need look no further than Cobham SATCOM’s booth (#358-359) in the Orange Zone Electronics Tent, where the state-of-the-art SAILOR 600 VSAT Ku satellite antenna will be on show.

As the lightest, most compact and technically advanced antenna system for bringing high-speed broadband to users at sea on global Ku-band VSAT networks, SAILOR 600 VSAT Ku has initiated a transformation of maritime satcom by making it possible for more yachts and luxury vessels to enjoy VSAT-based connectivity and voice calling.

Previously the realm of commercial ships and large superyachts, VSAT is viewed as the best performing and most cost efficient way to achieve broadband Internet connectivity at sea as it offers flexible data packages coupled with pay monthly fixed costs.

VSAT has traditionally required antennas one metre or larger to ensure satisfactory availability and quality of satellite service globally, so previously only very large yachts with the space and budget for these antennas could realistically enjoy its benefits. This changes now with the innovative SAILOR 600 VSAT Ku.

With Cobham SATCOM bringing the latest in its 60 cm VSAT antenna portfolio to Fort Lauderdale, show visitors can see the potential for even more yachts to join the VSAT revolution and enjoy stunning HD quality streaming TV, access social media and improve safety with digital applications all on high throughput Ku-band networks globally.

SAILOR 600 VSAT Ku is designed to leverage powerful new High Throughput Satellite Services (HTS), such as Intelsat EpicNG, which enable smaller antennas to deliver high throughput service globally. With an unprecedented G/T of 15.9 dB/K the new SAILOR 600 VSAT Ku is the most powerful 60cm class antenna ever built and together with HTS, it can provide a stable, high throughput link to enable maritime broadband anywhere on the oceans.

While performance is critical in order to enable VSAT for more users, Cobham SATCOM has also managed to lower the entry and overall lifecycle costs with its 60 cm antennas by i.e., allowing for streamlined installation. SAILOR 600 VSAT Ku is designed for quick and cost-effective deployment and at just 35 kg, it can be carried on board, making it especially relevant for installations where no cranes or forklifts are available.

Further innovations include the use of Dynamic Motor Brakes so the radome can stay on in shipping and no-power situations, and because it is a super-light solution, it is more cost-effective to ship. It also features Automatic Calibrations for the boat’s centreline and antenna cables, saving time during installation and reducing errors.

“With the launch of SAILOR 600 VSAT Ku we are extending our portfolio to provide even more flexibility for end users to choose the service that suits them while enjoying the installation, performance and cost benefits of our compact, lightweight antenna technology,” said Jens Ewerling, Director, Maritime Broadband, Cobham SATCOM.