Gilat Satellite Networks reports that Exelis, a diversified defense company, has ordered its first procurement of tri-band SR300 Satcom-on-the-move (SOTM) antennas from Gilat.

According to its February 23rd announcement, Exelis received a contract to provide the US Army withon-the-move connectivity based on low-profile satellite antennas developed by Gilat.

Exelis' Global Network on the Move-Active Distribution (GNOMAD) is a system providing broadband, SOTM networked command and control connectivity. The GNOMAD antenna consists of Gilat's RaySat SR300 antenna, Wavestream BUC and an innovative, military-grade Antenna Control Unit (ACU) designed by Gilat to power both the antenna and the BUC.

With reduced size, weight and power profiles, SR300 antennas support three frequency bands: X, Ku and Ka. Weighing only 16 kilograms, they can be removed and replaced in a matter of minutes for increased flexibility in the field.

"Gilat's SOTM antennas - which are differentiated by tri-band support and reduced size, weight and power profiles - are ideal for military and emergency vehicles, where speed is of the essence," explained Nick Bobay, president of the Exelis Night Vision and Communications Solutions division.

"This new antenna brings even greater capability to GNOMAD and the Soldiers using this SATCOM on the Move system in the battlefield."

"Exelis is a leader in satellite network technology for the US military and its international allies," stated Erez Antebi, Gilat's CEO. "It is an honor for us to have been chosen to develop the antenna for its GNOMAD system and we look forward to continued collaboration moving forward."