Echo Satellite Communications has announced that it has shipped its first order to Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) for a HeliSAT3 customized Iridium repeater system. HeliSAT3 is a satellite communications repeater, specifically designed to create wireless satellite telephone "hotspots" aboard Naval aircraft.

HeliSAT3 enables airborne Iridium users to quickly and easily make fully wireless, satellite voice and data communications available from a helicopter passenger compartment.

Historically limited by the requirement for satellite phones to have line-of-sight access to orbiting satellites, with HeliSAT3, passengers now have the ability to access dependable and uninterrupted in-flight wireless satellite communications. HeliSAT3 was developed by Echo SatCom at NAVAIR's request.

Available as a fixed, single external antenna unit, HeliSAT3 creates a satellite communications "hotspot" allowing more flexibility by enabling multiple passengers to use Iridium-based satellite telephones without losing a signal.

With HeliSAT3, customers of the Iridium satellite network, such as the military, can now use their satellite phones or data terminals to make multiple concurrent calls within a HeliSAT3-enabled airborne "hotspot" from any region on Earth.

"The HeliSAT3 system and its proprietary application possibilities for military, commercial, and general aviation uses present an immense market potential for our stakeholders," added Eric Flores, Echo SatCom's President of Echo's Satellite Communications Division.

"We look forward to a long relationship with NAVAIR, and are excited about the possibilities of working on other satellite communications based programs."

Echo Satellite Communications, Inc. is dedicated to providing global wireless, non-line-of-sight, satellite voice and data communications links to government, military, and commercial and industrial customers.

Known for our ability to design, implement and commercialize satellite communications technology solutions, Echo SatCom has a full array of wireless, non-line-of-sight communications solutions to offer to military, governmental, first responder, and industrial users for whom communication is not optional, it is critical.