White Paper BLOS Communications Capability for UAS An Unmanned Aerial Systems User Guide to Beyond Line-of-Sight Connectivity STEPHEN J. GIZINSKI III, PRESIDENT, INMARSAT GOVERNMENT JEFFREY R. GALLOWAY, CHIEF ENGINEER, INMARSAT GOVERNMENT ALEX H. HAYES, SR. DIRECTOR, PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND ENGINEERING, INMARSAT GOVERNMENT INTRODUCTION Military operations rely on Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) for a range of Command and Control (C2) and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Many of these missions require Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) communications links which can be implemented using a range of satellite communications (SATCOM) architectures. The range of sizes and capabilities of UAS, the available satellite frequency bands, and the implemented communications architectures continue to expand. Just as users must choose the appropriate UAS for a given mission, BLOS options must be carefully considered as well. This paper provides a high-level overview of aeronautical terminal types that meet low Size, Weight and Power (SWaP) requirements and reliable high-throughput connectivity that might be implemented in support of UAS mission data connections. The goal of this paper is to provide a helpful, high-level guide that correlates anticipated performance based on terminal SWaP. This will help UAS users understand BLOS connectivity options for a specific platform of interest. Though, not the primary focus of this paper, it is important to note that Inmarsat’s ELERA L-band and Global Xpress Ka-band worldwide satellite enterprise is well suited to support the governments expeditionary ISR requirements today with no or little satellite bandwidth coordination in the area of operation required. We accomplish this through a variety of wordwide service offerings across our L-band and Ka-band networks. Inmarsat has focused on BLOS connectivity for worldwide mobile maritime users since 1979. These connectivity services initially focused on safety of life services that operate in L-band and require very high availability. As time has passed and Inmarsat capabilities have evolved, services have expanded and extended to include mobile high-throughput Ka-band connectivity services. System design has been guided by user requirements and technical possibilities, with the primary objectives of delivering worldwide coverage, wideband connectivity, and interoperability with military Ka-band and applications for on-the-move users to very high service standards. Just as in terrestrial mobile systems, this requires delivering managed end-to-end networks, where satellite connectivity is only one element of a complete mobility solution that supports higher level applications on a worldwide basis to include a diverse array of terminals, advanced modems and waveforms – including support for land, sea and air users. Inmarsat’s mobile worldwide connectivity services now provide a wide array of capabilities ranging from low-speed Internet of Things (IoT) messaging services through very high-speed services in L-band and Kaband. This paper provides a high-level view of how these Inmarsat services might be used to provide connectivity to various UAS Groups (Group 2-5 UAS) and missions. This paper serves as a helpful, factbased input for trade options associated with selecting a compatible BLOS aeronautical terminal solution for a specific UAS mission. Smaller UAS with challenging SWaP constraints are considered (Group 2 UAS). The ability of large UAS that support larger aperture aeronautical terminals and extremely high data rates are assessed (Group 3, 4 and 5 UAS). These assessments are all performed using Inmarsat L-band and Ka-band services on satellites that are on-orbit today and available worldwide (the GEO-visible earth). INMARSAT L-BAND SERVICES Inmarsat’s ELERA advanced worldwide L-band services are provided by four GEO satellites that are on orbit today. An overview of these satellites and their areas of coverage is shown in Exhibit 1. These include three Inmarsat-4 satellites (I-4 F1-3) and Alphasat (F4). F1 and F2 were launched in 2005, and F3 was launched in 2008 resulting in the world’s first global 3G satellite network. Alphasat, the last satellite in this series was launched in 2013. The I4 F1-3 satellites operate in standard L-band (1525-1559 MHz RX and 1626.5 - 1660.5 MHz TX) and Alphasat F4 operates in standard and extended L-band (1518-1559 MHz RX and 1626.5 – 1660.5 & 1668.0 – 1675.0 MHz TX). A variety of services are supported by these satellites Uniquely for Inmarsat, the including the SwiftBroadband sixth-generation fleet will (SB) service for aviation users. feature a dual payload with UAS platforms leverage each new I-6 satellite also Inmarsat L-band services for supporting L-band and mil and Command and Control (C2) commercial Ka-band. I-6 F1 is capability. Scalable data plans ensure flexible coverage and OURscheduled for launch at the end of 2021 with the second, capacity for ever changing I-6 F2 to follow in 2022. missions. Service plans start with pay-as-you-go (or subscriptions) and scale up to leases of spectrum, or leases I-4 managed by our “SATCOM as a Service” offerings. For specialty missions that require rapid deployment and high flexibility, we offer Quick Reaction Capability (QRC) – a premium L-band service that allows for globally portable, rapid stand-up or relocating leases. Next generation L-band services will be delivered by the Inmarsat-6 (I-6) series of satellites, which consist of two satellites (F1 and F2). INMARSAT.COM COVerage Exhibit 1: L-band coverage map. The Inmarsat’s ELERA satellites provide worldwide L-band coverage. These satellites support subscriptions services (e.g., SwiftBroadband) and lease services (e.g., LAISR) anywhere in the area of coverage. Combined I-4 coverage I-4 F1 I-4 F2 I-4 F3 I-4 F4 90° 80° 70° 60° 50° 40° 30° 20° 10° 0° 10° 20° 30° 40° 50° 60° 70° 80° 90° 180° 160° 140° 120° 100° 80° 60° 40° 20° 0° 20° 40° 60° 80° 100° 120° 140° 160° 180° This map is for general information purposes only and no guarantee is given of accuracy or fitness for a particular use. Coverage is subject to change at any time. I-4 coverage May 2020. INMARSAT KA-BAND SERVICES Exhibit 2: GX1-5 coverage map. GX1-5 satellites provide worldwide commercial Ka-band coverage and steerable spot beam military Ka-band coverage. These satellites support subscription services (e.g., GX SATCOM as a Service) or steerable beam Mil Ka-band services anywhere in the area of coverage. GX1 -10B Not Covered 90° OUR COVerage GLOBAL XPRESS GX1 - 10B 2024 anticipated coverage 80° 70° 60° 50° 40° 30° 20° GX commercial service (SATCOM as a Service) GX steerable beams (Mil-Ka) 10° 0° 10° Inmarsat Ka-band services, Global Xpress (GX), are provided via five satellites, GX1-5, that are on-orbit today and provide commercial and military Kaband capability worldwide. An overview of these satellites and their areas of coverage is shown in Exhibit 2. The first three GX satellites, GX1-3 were launched between 2013-2015, with global commercial service started in December 2015. GX4 was launched in May 2017 to provide additional capacity. GX5, a Very High Throughput Satellite (V-HTS), delivers more capacity than the entire GX1-GX4 fleet combined and has been in commercial service since December 2020 to meet growing demand across Europe and the Middle East. The GX1-5 network provides a subscription service for commercial Ka-band terminals. These satellites also provide high-capacity steerable beams that are used to seamlessly complement military satellite communication (MILSATCOM) systems like the Wideband Global SATCOM system (WGS) and to provide very highperformance Military (Mil) Ka-band connectivity. The GX services operate in the 29-30 GHz TX and 19.2-20.2 GHz RX band providing worldwide coverage. Mil Ka-band services (accommodated on the high capacity steerables) operate in the 30-31 GHz TX and 20.221.2 GHz RX band providing 1.2° steerable spot beam antennas with 40 to 730 MHz of transponder bandwidth. Next-generation GX and Mil Ka-band services will be delivered by the I-6 series of hybrid satellites. The two Ka-band payloads, GX6A and GX6B, will provide additional GX capacity, two Mil Ka-band steerables per satellite and a unique dedicated gateway link. The next evolution of GX includes GX extension to Arctic via the GX10A and GX10B payloadsINMARSAT.COM in HEO to provide continuous coverage above 65N in commercial and Mil Kaband, scheduled for launch in 2022. The GX7, 8 & 9 satellites which will provide dynamic beamforming, allowing for the simultaneous creation of OUR thousands of independent beams in commercial and Mil Ka-band that can be GLOBALand XPRESS reconfigured repositioned GX1 - 10B 2024 anticipated coverage across the globe in real time, GX commercial service (SATCOM as a Service) due to beGXlaunched steerable beamsfrom (Mil-Ka) 2023. COVerage 20° 30° 40° 50° 60° 70° 80° 90° 180° 160° 140° 120° Global Xpress network available over at least 99% of this area Global Xpress network available over at least 99% of this area 100° 80° 60° 40° 20° 0° 20° 40° 60° 80° 100° 120° 140° 160° 180° Extendable Global Xpress GX1 GX2 GX3 GX4 GX5 steerable GX5 commercial service area coverage via issteerable beams purposes only and no guarantee is given of accuracy or fitness for a particular use. Coverage is subject This map for general information to change Global Xpress Coverage. March 2021 beam area at any time. Government (SATCOM as aGX1-10B service) Extendable Global Xpress GX1 GX2 GX3 GX4 GX5 steerable GX5 commercial service area coverage via steerable beams beam area (SATCOM as a service) Exhibit 3: GX1-10B anticipated coverage map. GX1-10B provides worldwide coverage and includes GX commercial service (SATCOM as a Service) and Mil Ka steerable breams. GX1 -10B Not Covered 90° 80° 70° 60° 50° 40° 30° 20° 10° 0° 10° 20° 30° 40° 50° 60° 70° 80° INMARSAT.COM 90° 180° 160° 140° 120° 100° 80° 60° 40° 20° 0° 20° 40° 60° 80° 100° 120° 140° 160° 180° This map is for general information purposes only and no guarantee is given of accuracy or fitness for a particular use. Coverage is subject to change at any time. Government Global Xpress GX1-10B Coverage. March 2021 UAS GROUPS For the purposes of this paper, we make use of the United States Department of Defense (DoD) Classification for UAS Groups shown Exhibit 4. This paper assesses connectivity options and applicable aeronautical terminals for Groups 2-5 UAS. The sections below provide an overview of the general aeronautical terminal characteristics for the various UAS groups. Information includes antenna size, power amplifier size, plausible frequency bands of operations and expected forward (to the UAS) and return (from the UAS) link performance. This summary is not intended to be an exhaustive treatment. Instead, it allows the reader to gain a general sense of plausible aeronautical terminals that may be employed for BLOS communications and the supported data rates. GROUP 2 UAS TERMINALS Group 2 UAS are characterized by very constrained aeronautical terminal accommodations. The limited accommodations force a range of compromises among key attributes (SWaP, forward link data rate, return link data rate). Typically, these terminals have very small antennas which impact the available transmit and receive gain making the link budget more challenging. Further, these small antennas yield a wide beamwidth making compliance with offaxis emissions requirements (regulatory) more difficult while also making the terminal more susceptible to adjacent satellite interference. Antennas for Group 2 UAS typically range from 5 cm to 20 cm in diameter. Antennas for these UAS are usually parabolic or flat panel in shape, and the overall terminal is designed to be as lightweight as possible. Limited available platform power restricts RF power amplifiers to the range of 5 W to 16 W which effectively limits the Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP). Lower terminal EIRP yields lower return link (UAS to gateway) data rates. Operations for these UAS generally occur at low altitude (under the weather) which requires careful consideration of band selection and management of link margins. Ideal band of operation for Group 2 UAS terminals when using Inmarsat resources is L-band. With the right terminal and link design, it is possible to use Mil Ka-band to support connectivity. GROUP 3 UAS TERMINALS Group 3 UAS provide ample aeronautical terminal accommodations. Aeronautical terminal antennas for Group 3 UAS typically range in size from 20 cm to 46 cm in diameter. Terminals are usually parabolic or flat panel in shape. Available platform power supports RF power amplifiers in the range of 16 W to 50 W. Operations generally occur at medium to high altitude for these platforms. The ideal frequency band of operation for Group 3 aeronautical terminals is commercial or Mil Ka-band. For special circumstances, it is possible to use L-band lease services for these terminals too. diameter parabolic apertures), significant available platform power to support operations (utilizing 50 W to 250 W RF power amplifiers), and operations at high altitude (above most weather effects). Ideal band of operation for these terminals when using Inmarsat resources is commercial or military Ka-band. GROUP 4 AND GROUP 5 UAS TERMINALS Group 4 and Group 5 UAS provide the most significant aeronautical terminal accommodations of all the UAS categories. Aeronautical terminals for these UAS are characterized by very large antennas (46 cm to 1.2 m Exhibit 4: DoD UAS classification. United States Department of Defense (DoD) classification for UAS groups. SIZE MAXIMUM GROSS TAKEOFF WEIGHT (MGTW) (LBS) NORMAL OPERATING ALTITUDE (FT) AIRSPEED (KNOTS) Group 1 Small 0-20 <1,200 AGL* <100 CATEGORY Group 2 Medium 21-55 <3,500 <250 Group 3 Large <1320 <18,000 MSL** <250 Group 4 Larger >1320 <18,000 MSL Any airspeed Group 5 Largest >1320 >18,000 Any airspeed *AGL = Above Ground Level **MSL = Mean Sea Level Note: If the UAS has even one characteristic of the next level, it is classified in that level. Source: “Eyes of the Army” U.S. Army Roadmap for UAS 2010-2035 UAS BLOS TERMINALS SAMPLE L-BAND TERMINALS TERMINALS LINK PERFORMANCE COBHAM AVIATOR UAS 200 The sections that follow describe a series of sample terminals that operate in L-band and Ka-band and summarize expected link performance (supported data rates). In L-band, the SwiftBroadband family of terminals support subscription services at modest rates, while the LAISR terminal variants offer the highest data rate subscriptions in support of high throughput ISR payloads such as full-motion video (FMV). The data rates supported by the prospective L-band terminals are provided in the descriptions below. In Ka-band, the terminals discussed provide on-demand support for subscription services in commercial Ka-band and lease-based services in Mil Ka-band. The data rates supported by the prospective Ka-band terminals are provided in the sections that follow. The Aviator UAS 200 is a recently developed aeronautical terminal solution that has been purpose built to meet UAS BLOS connectivity needs. This aeronautical terminal is comprised of a single, lightweight LRU. The Aviator UAS 200 operates across a wide temperature range (-40°C to +55°C) and at altitudes up to 6,000 m. Connectivity for this terminal is provided via Inmarsat’s SwiftBroadband service. A single, purchased subscription provides worldwide access. A summary of the key characteristics of the UAS 200 terminal is shown in Exhibit 5. Exhibit 5: Cobham Aviator UAS 200 COBHAM AVIATOR UAS-200 Antenna Mounting Inside Aircraft Fuselage Input Power 28 VDC No. Components 1 Total Weight 3.2 lbs. Dimensions (inches) 9.5 x 6.3 x 2.4 Total Size (Volume) 108 cu. Inch Max Power Draw (@28 VDC) 28 W User Data Interface Ethernet NAV Interface RS-232 or Ethernet Support Data Rates Class 4 SwiftBroadband to 5 deg elevation; Background IP to 200 kbps; Streaming to 32 kbps with Half HDR COBHAM AVIATORSP The Cobham AviatorSP provides robust connectivity using Inmarsat’s SwiftBroadband service. In a single channel configuration, the terminal consists of three LRUs as shown in Exhibit 6. The single channel terminal has been ruggedized to meet the demanding needs of the aircraft and helicopter environment and reliably supports duplex data rates of up to 432 kbps depending on the selected antenna. The AviatorSP Multi Channel System provides robust multi-channel connectivity using Inmarsat’s SwiftBroadband service. The terminal is offered in two- and four-channel versions and is comprised of 4 LRUs. Exhibit 7 summarizes the key characteristics of the two-channel system; Exhibit 8 summarizes the key characteristics of the four-channel system. The only hardware difference between the two systems is the four-channel uses a slightly larger (ARINC-600 3 MCU form factor) SDU. Exhibit 6: Cobham AviatorSP Single Channel ANTENNA CLASS CLASS 15 CLASS 7 CLASS 6 Omni Electronic Phased-Array Mechanical Helix Electronic Phased-Array Antenna Mounting Fuselage Blade Fuselage Mount Tail Mount Fuselage Mount No. Components Three individual pieces: Satellite Data Unit (SDU), HPA/DLNA (HLD), Antenna Antenna Type LRU Dimensions (L x W x H inches) Antenna Dimensions (L x W x H inches) Total Weight Total Size (Volume) 13.6 x 3.4 x 4.4 22.9 x 6.9 x 2.0 10.0 x 9.7 x 10.0 41.4 x 11.8 x 2.0 13.3 lbs. 19.6 lbs. 15.9 lbs. 32.9 lbs. 436 cu. Inch 412 cu. Inch 1180 cu. Inch 1182 cu. Inch Input Power Max Power Draw HLD 7.8 x 7.5 x 2.4 SDU 13.1 x 7.6 x 2.0 20.5 - 32.2 VDC, normal +28 VDC 89 W @ 28 VDC Data Interface 96 W @ 28 VDC 111 W @ 28 VDC 109 W @ 28 VDC Ethernet NAV Interface Not Required Background IP Data Rates Up to 200 kbps Up to 332 kbps Up to 432 kbps Streaming IP Data Rates 8, 16, or 32 kbps 8, 16, 32, 64, or 128 kbps 8, 16, 32, 64, or 128 kbps or X-stream (up to 256 kbps) ARINC-429 COBHAM AVIATORSP — TWO-CHANNEL The key characteristics of the Cobham AviatorSP Two-Channel terminal are shown in Exhibit 7. The terminal is offered in two variants – a Class 7 version, and Class 6 version. Both variants use the same Class 6 and 7 antennas as used in the single-channel system; the differences are the two-channel systems uses a stand-alone HPA and DLNA, and an ARINC-600 two MCU form factor SDU. The terminal provides up to two channels of SwiftBroadband at the same per channel data rates as the single-channel system. The Class 6 variant can bond up to two channels to provide an aggregate throughput of 800 kbps. Exhibit 7: Cobham Aviator-SP Two-Channel ANTENNA CLASS Antenna Type Antenna Mounting No. Components LRU Dimensions (L x W x H inches) Antenna Dimensions (L x W x H inches) Total Weight Total Size (Volume) CLASS 7 CLASS 6 Electronic Phased-Array Mechanical Helix Electronic Phased-Array Fuselage Blade Tail Mount Fuselage Mount Four individual pieces: Satellite Data Unit (SDU), HPA-7450, DLNA, Antenna SDU 12.6 x 2.4 x 7.6 (ARINC-600 2 MCU) DLNA 11.2 x 7.8 x 2.0 HPA 13.5 x 2.4 x 7.6 (ARINC-600 2 MCU) 22.9 x 6.9 x 2.0 10.0 x 9.7 x 10.0 41.4 x 11.8 x 2.0 30.9 lbs. 27.2 lbs. 44.2 lbs. 636 cu. Inch 1404 cu. Inch 1406 cu. Inch Input Power Max Power Draw 20.5 - 32.2 VDC, normal +28 VDC 277 W @ 28 VDC 293 W @ 28 VDC Data Interface Ethernet NAV Interface ARINC-429 Background IP Data Rates Streaming IP Data Rates 290 W @ 28 VDC Up to 332 kbps (per channel) Up to 432 kbps (per channel) 8, 16, 32, 64, or 128 kbps (per channel) 8, 16, 32, 64, or 128 kbps or X-stream (up to 256 kbps) per channel; bonded service up to 800 kbps COBHAM AVIATORSP — FOUR-CHANNEL The key characteristics of the Cobham AviatorSP Four-Channel terminal are shown in Exhibit 8 below. The terminal provides up to four channels of SwiftBroadband at the same per channel data rates as the single-channel system. The terminal uses the same antennas and RF electronics as with the two-channel system; the only difference is that the four-channel system uses a larger ARINC-600 form factor SDU (three MCUs). The Class 6 variant can bond up to four channels to provide an aggregate throughput of 1600 kbps. Exhibit 8: Cobham Aviator-SP Four-Channel ANTENNA CLASS Antenna Type Antenna Mounting No. Components LRU Dimensions (L x W x H inches) Antenna Dimensions (L x W x H inches) Total Weight Total Size (Volume) CLASS 7 CLASS 6 Electronic Phased-Array Mechanical Helix Electronic Phased-Array Fuselage Blade Tail Mount Fuselage Mount Four individual pieces: Satellite Data Unit (SDU), HPA-7450, DLNA, Antenna SDU 13.5 x 3.7 x 7.6 (ARINC-600 2 MCU) DLNA 11.2 x 7.8 x 2.0 HPA 13.5 x 2.4 x 7.6 (ARINC-600 2 MCU) 22.9 x 6.9 x 2.0 10.0 x 9.7 x 10.0 41.4 x 11.8 x 2.0 32.7 lbs. 29 lbs. 46 lbs. 741 cu. Inch 1509 cu. Inch 1511 cu. Inch Input Power Max Power Draw 20.5 - 32.2 VDC, normal +28 VDC 297 W @ 28 VDC 313 W @ 28 VDC Data Interface Ethernet NAV Interface ARINC-429 Background IP Data Rates Streaming IP Data Rates 310 W @ 28 VDC Up to 332 kbps (per channel) Up to 432 kbps (per channel) 8, 16, 32, 64, or 128 kbps (per channel) 8, 16, 32, 64, or 128 kbps or X-stream (up to 256 kbps) per channel; bonded service up to 800 kbps HONEYWELL ASPIRE 200 The key characteristics of the Honeywell Aspire 200 terminal are shown in Exhibit 9. The terminal is offered in two variants – a Class 7 version, and Class 6 version. The terminal provides data rates up to 332 kbps (Class 7) or 432 kbps (Class 6). In addition, the terminal can support Inmarsat High-Data Rate (HDR) service. In this configuration, the Class 7 terminal can support data rates up to 500 kbps streaming and the Class 6 systems can support up to 650 kbps streaming. The Aspire 200 terminal serves UAS Group 3+. Exhibit 9: Honeywell Aspire 200 ANTENNA CLASS Antenna Type Antenna Mounting No. Components CLASS 7 CLASS 6 Electronic Phased-Array Mechanical Helix Electronic Phased-Array Fuselage Blade Tail Mount Fuselage Mount Three individual pieces: Satellite Data Unit (SDU), HPA/DLNA (HLD), Antenna LRU Dimensions (L x W x H inches) IPLD 7.5 x 7.5 x 2.5 HDU 14.8 x 2.4 x 7.8 Antenna Dimensions (L x W x H inches) Total Weight Total Size (Volume) 18.3 x 7.6 x 2.0 10.0 x 10.0 x 9.7 43.0 x 14.3 x 2.5 21.0 lbs. 18.9 lbs. 34.4 lbs. 420 cu. Inch 1194 cu. Inch 1498 cu. Inch Input Power Max Power Draw 20.5 - 32.2 VDC, normal +28 VDC 100 W @ 28 VDC 110 W @ 28 VDC Data Interface Ethernet NAV Interface ARINC-429 Background IP Data Rates Streaming IP Data Rates 115 W @ 28 VDC Up to 332 kbps Up to 432 kbps 8, 16, 32, 64, or 128 kbps; up to 500 kbps with HDR 8, 16, 32, 64, or 128 kbps or X-stream (up to 256 kbps) per channel; up to 600 kbps with HDR LAISR LAISR (L-band Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) is an L-band subscription service that provides speeds of 3 Mbps using low SWaP terminals. It supports high-throughput Airborne ISR payloads throughout the complete coverage area of Inmarsat’s ELERA network. All traffic passes through Inmarsat Satellite Access Stations (SAS) and is backhauled via Inmarsat Government’s secure Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) network to the customer’s specific destination – ground control stations, operation centers or remote terminals anywhere worldwide – via private terrestrial line connections, the public Internet or SATCOM. It can be configured to meet the unique requirements of government customers, and is managed 24/7 by U.S.-based, security-cleared operations and engineering teams. Exhibit 10: Overview of LAISR-LW terminals Terminal LAISR-ULW SE* LAISR-LW 3010 LAISR-LW 3035 LAISR-ULW 3035 LAISR-LW 3040 LAISR-LW 3050 Dimensions (Antenna) 11.7“ x 8.1“ x 2.0“ 5.0“ x 5.0“ x 1.0“ 10.0" x 12.0" x 2.0" 10.0" x 12.0" x 2.0" 10.0“ x 10.0“ x 9.7“ 18.3” x 7.6” x 2.0” We guarantee the LAISR service integration end-to-end. Our ecosystem of in-house and partner teams of experienced UAS SATCOM engineers work to identify the hardware options and network configurations to meet specific SWaP, mission and budget requirements. Total System Weight (Terminal) 3.0 lbs. 8.6 lbs. 9.4 lbs. 5 lbs. 12.2 lbs. 12.9 lbs. The LAISR service is offered via flexible service plans that allow multiple user terminals to share a lease and provides globally portable leases that can be rapidly activated or relocated to enable operations. Data Rate ~2 Mbps** ~2 Mbps** ~2.5 Mbps** ~3 Mbps** ~3 Mbps** ~3 Mbps** 13 VDC, 60 W 28 VDC, 115 W 28 VDC, 125 W 28 VDC, TBD W 28 VDC, 140 W 28 VDC, 140 W 2+ 3+ 3+ 2+ 3+ 3+ Ƈ Standard Lease Service providesdedicated leased spectrum in one or more narrow spot beams on Inmarsat’s ELERA wordwide network. Spectrum automatically switches between beams to follow user terminal via the Network Management System (NMS). This service enables seamless communications over large geographic areas. Ƈ Shared Forward Lease Service (point to multipoint) enables forward channel bandwidth to be shared by all active user terminals. It eliminates the need to have individual, dedicated forward channels per terminal, while still supporting simultaneous operations. This service is ideal for UAS with minimal forward channel bandwidth requirements. Ƈ Quick Reaction Capability (QRC) is a premium service option that offers globally portable leases that can be rapidly stood-up or relocated to enable operations. The service delivers speeds of 3 Mbps and comes with 24/7 support by Inmarsat Government’s U.S.-based Network Operations Center (NOC), which serves as a customer’s single point of contact for initiating QRC call-up requests and coordinating service transfers. On-call engineering support is also available. Reserved QRC hub modems are installed at all Inmarsat SASs. LAISR is accessible via Inmarsat type approved low-profile, small form-factor LAISR-Lightweight (LW) terminals that maximize UAS platform range and reduce signatures. LAISR-LW provides several antenna models with slightly different configurations that correspond to unique user requirements, as shown in Exhibit 10. These terminals feature very compact size and low weight thus enabling extended loiter time and use of the LAISR service on smaller platforms. Some variations of this terminal will feature fullduplex DVBS2X links, thus allowing higher data rates to the UAS. Power UAS Group * Terminal is a single LRU consisting of the antenna and integrated core module. ** Data rates may vary and depend upon terminal type, bandwidth leased, operating location, etc. SAMPLE KA-BAND TERMINALS A wide range of parabolic, flat-panel and electronically-steerable antennas (ESA) has been developed and type-approved to operate on the GX network. Additional terminals are in the development process to meet various user requirements. Exhibit 11 provides the specifications for typical terminals. The data rates are estimates based on factors such as using a modem with available symbol rates up to 80 Mbps and modulation and coding (MODCOD) rates of up to 64APSK-5/6, operating in clear sky conditions, using up to 100 MHz of transponder bandwidth and/or power, and configuring transponder settings for optimum performance. Exhibit 11: Overview of Ka-band terminals r Unde ent lopm Deve Terminal Get SAT MilliSAT H LW Get SAT MilliSAT W LW Get SAT MilliSAT EX Orbit GX30 OrbitGX46 OrbitGX76 Ball Ka 1204A 10.6” x 9.8” Flat Panel 5.3” x 19.7” Flat Panel 7.9” x 18.8” Flat Panel 12” Parabolic 18” Parabolic 30” Parabolic 20.9” x 56” x 2.8” ESA Terminal Weight* 39.2 lbs. 41.0 lbs. 45.7 lbs. 44.0 lbs. 47.6 lbs. TBD 112.8 lbs. Comm Data Rate Mil Ka Data Rate (Typical) 6x2 Mbps 50x15 Mbps 6x2 Mbps 50x15 Mbps 6x2 Mbps 55x13 Mbps 6x2 Mbps 50x13 Mbps 10x6 Mbps 65x18 Mbps 12x8 Mbps 80x40 Mbps 8x4 Mbps 80x20 Mbps Comm Data Rate Mil Ka Data Rate (Most Favorable) 70x7 Mbps 115x39 Mbps 70x9 Mbps 115x39 Mbps 70x9 Mbps 115x32 Mbps 70x11 Mbps 145x38 Mbps 80x25 Mbps 174x92 Mbps 89x34 Mbps 200x150Mbps 80x20 Mbps 175x150Mbps 28 VDC, 265 W 28 VDC, 265 W 28 VDC, 215 W 28 VDC. 395 W 28 VDC, 395 W TBD 28 VDC, 3100 W Commercial / Military Commercial / Military Commercial / Military Commercial / Military Commercial / Military Commercial / Military Commercial / Military 3+ 3+ 3+ 3+ 3 / 4+ 4+ 4+ Terminal Size Antenna Type Power Ka-band UAS Group * Weight doesn’t include required cabling. GET SAT MILLISAT H LW Exhibit 12: MilliSAT H LW terminal performance using GX commercial Ka-band subscription services. The Get SAT MilliSAT H LW is a lightweight, portable on-the-move SATCOM terminal solution. It is optimal for airborne connectivity, compact installations and fully autonomous operation. The design has emphasized efficient terminal SWaP characteristics. The terminal supports commercial and Mil Ka-band and includes an embedded SCPC modem to support transmit and receive operations on Mil Ka-band. More details regarding this terminal are shown in Exhibit 11. As shown in Exhibit 12, using the commercial Ka-band subscription services, the Get SAT MilliSAT H LW terminal provides a typical forward link up to 6 Mbps and a return link up to 2 Mbps with Committed Information Rages (CIR) throughout the world and backed by Service Level Agreements (SLA). The terminal’s most favorable forward link can reach up to 70 Mbps and a return link up to 7 Mbps. It is possible to operate the Get SAT MilliSAT H LW terminal on an Inmarsat Mil Ka-band steerable beam with a typical forward link up to 50 Mbps and a return link up to 15 Mbps, as shown in Exhibit 13. A most favorable forward link can achieve up to 115 Mbps and a return link up to 39 Mbps. More details regarding this terminal are shown in Exhibit 11. Exhibit 13 provides an overview of the forward and return link performance for this antenna using the High Capacity Cross-strapped (HCX) configuration (Mil Ka-band user link with commercial Kaband feeder link). HCX provides a 100 MHz duplex transponder. Performance analysis is based on clear sky or above-the-clouds conditions and the use of a high-performance modem. Exhibit 13: MilliSAT H LW performance using Inmarsat Mil Ka-band HCX. GET SAT MILLISAT W LW Exhibit 14: Get SAT MilliSAT W LW terminal performance using commercial Ka-band subscription services. Get SAT MilliSAT W LW is a lightweight portable on-the-move satellite terminal solution. It is optimal for airborne connectivity, for compact installations and for fully autonomous operation. With its unique all-in-one design, the MilliSAT W LW is suited for UAS platforms Group 3 and up. Its optimized form, size and weight enable it to be deployed as an integral part of the plane. It is designed for applications that require higher bandwidth and can accommodate the enabling increase in form factor. MilliSAT W LW is optimized for larger bandwidth requirements with a minimal footprint. As shown in Exhibit 14, using the commercial Ka-band subscription services, the MilliSAT W LW terminal provides a typical forward link up to 6 Mbps and a return link up to 2 Mbps, with CIR throughout the world and backed by SLA. A most favorable forward link can achieve up to 70 Mbps and a return link up to 9 Mbps. It is possible to operate this MilliSAT W LW terminal on an Inmarsat Mil Ka-band steerable beam with a typical forward link up to 50 Mbps and return link up to 15 Mbps, as shown in Exhbit 15. A most favorable forward link can achieve up to 115 Mbps and a return link up to 39 Mbps. More details regarding this terminal are shown in Exhibit 11. Exhibit 15: Get SAT MilliSAT W LW antenna performance using Inmarsat Mil Ka-band HCX. GET SAT MILLISAT EX Exhibit 16: Get SAT MilliSAT EX performance using commercial Ka-band subscription services. Get SAT Milli SAT-EX airborne terminal is a compact all-in-one, on-the-move Ka-band solution that is fully interoperable with military Ka-band systems and optimized for use over the GX constellation in commercial and Mil Ka-band. This lightweight satellite terminal solution is tailored to meet missioncritical roll-on/roll-off requirements of C-130 airborne applications without requiring any modification to the aircraft. Leveraging Get SAT’s highly efficient, patented InterFLAT miniaturized flat panel antenna technologies, integrated with R4’s MPHS, the solution reduces weight by 50 percent from previous hatch mount solutions. This alleviates design and operational concerns of large radomes. The Milli SAT-EX 7.9”x18.9” flat panel antenna fits inside a 12.5” radome allowing easy installation. With industry leading SWaP, the unit is an important new addition to Inmarsat type-approved small airborne SATCOM terminals used with GX. As shown in Exhibit 14, using the commercial Ka-band subscription services, the MilliSAT W LW terminal provides a typical forward link up to 6 Mbps and a return link up to 2 Mbps, with CIR throughout the world and backed by SLA. A most favorable forward link can achieve up to 70 Mbps and a return link up to 9 Mbps. It is possible to operate the Milli SAT-EX terminal on an Inmarsat Mil Ka-band steerable beam with a typical forward link up to 55 Mbps and a return link of up to 13 Mbps, as shown in Exhbit 17. A most favorable forward link can achieve up to 115 Mbps and a return link up to 32 Mbps. More details regarding this terminal are shown in Exhibit 11. Exhibit 17: Get SAT MilliSAT EX performance using Inmarsat Mil Ka-band HCX. ORBIT GX30 Exhibit 18: Orbit GX30 performance using commercial Ka-band subscription services. The Orbit GX30 is a compact multi-purpose terminal, featuring a 30 cm (12”) parabolic antenna that operates in the GX commercial and Inmarsat Mil Ka-bands and delivers high-throughput connecting for UAS platforms Group 3 and higher. Built to fulfill “anytime, anywhere” connectivity requirements, the lightweight, small-footprint terminal combines high performance with industryleading reliability to address new opportunities in military aircraft and UAS. As described in Exhibit 18, using the commercial Ka-band subscription services, the GX30 parabolic antenna provides a typical forward link up to 6 Mbps and a return link up to 2 Mbps, with CIR throughout the world and backed by SLA. A most favorable forward link can reach up to 70 Mbps and a return link up to 11 Mbps. It is possible to operate the GX30 terminal on an Inmarsat Mil Ka-band steerable beam with a typical forward link up to 50 Mbps and a return link up to 13 Mbps. A most favorable forward link can achieve up to 145 Mbps and a return link up to 38 Mbps, as shown in Exhibit 19. More details regarding this terminal are shown in Exhibit 11. Exhibit 19: Orbit GX30 performance using Inmarsat Mil Ka-band HCX. ORBIT GX46 Exhibit 20:Orbit GX46 performance using commercial Ka-band subscription services. Orbit GX46 multi-purpose terminal is a modular, multi-role parabolic terminal that operates in the GX commercial and Mil Ka-bands through a 46cm (18”) antenna. The terminal is fully integrated with modem, electronics and software to ensure reliable operations worldwide. The terminal enables a wide range of communications capabilities for UAS Group 3 and higher. It complies with industry regulations and standards including Federal Communications Commission (FCC), European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), Inmarsat GX, and RTCA DO-160G for the entire spectrum of aircraft. The lightweight, small-footprint terminal enables worldwide connectivity, supporting the full range of Ka frequency bands and has been built to be compatible with the Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) system. The terminal is electronically switchable between systems and bands via Automatic Beam Switching (ABS) using industry-standard OpenAMIP and OpenBMIP protocols, ensuring seamless operations. As shown in Exhibit 20, using the commercial Ka-band subscription services, the GX46 parabolic antenna provides a typical forward link up to 10 Mbps and a return link up to 6 Mbps, with CIR throughout the world and backed by SLA. A most favorable forward link can achieve up to 80 Mbps and a return link up to 25 Mbps. It is possible to operate the GX46 terminal on an Inmarsat Mil Ka-band steerable beam with a typical forward link up to 65 Mbps and a return link up to 18 Mbps. A most favorable forward link can achieve up to 174 Mbps and a return link up to 92 Mbps, as shown in Exhibit 21. More details regarding this terminal are shown in Exhibit 11. Exhibit 21: Orbit GX46 performance using Inmarsat Mil Ka-band HCX. ORBIT GX76 Exhibit 22: Orbit GX76 notional performance using commercial Ka-band subscription services. Orbit GX76 terminal is currently in development and will follow the same design and architecture as the GX30 and GX46 terminals, however, will provide additional capabilities by means of larger antenna and associated electronics. It will be built to enable worldwide connectivity, supporting the full range of Ka frequency bands and will be compatible with military satellite systems. The terminal will be electronically switchable between systems and bands via Automatic Beam Switching (ABS) using industry-standard OpenAMIP and OpenBMIP protocols, ensuring seamless operations. As shown in Exhibit 22, using the commercial Ka-band subscription services, the Orbit GX76 parabolic antenna is expected to provide a typical forward link up to 12 Mbps and a return link up to 8 Mbps, with CIR throughout the world and backed by SLA. A most favorable return link is expected to achieve up to 89 Mbps and a return link up to 34 Mbps. It will be possible to operate the GX76 terminal on an Inmarsat Mil Ka-band steerable beam with a typical forward link up to 80 Mbps and a return link up to 40 Mbps. A most favorable forward link will be able to achieve up to 200 Mbps and a return link up to 150 Mbps, as shown in Exhibit 23. More details regarding this terminal are shown in Exhibit 11. Exhibit 23: Orbit GX76 notional performance using Inmarsat Mil Ka-band HCX. BALL KA 1204A Ball Ka 1204A is an electronically steerable Ka-band phased array antenna featuring Ball Aerospace’s innovative subarray architecture. Designed for optimal flexibility and cost efficiency, subarrays can be tiled together to form an antenna that is customized to meet an end user’s needs. The architecture allows independent scaling of transmit and receive antenna sizes and supports distributed antenna solutions. This approach allows the flexibility to optimize a terminal to the needs of the user without the cost of antenna re-design. Fully electronically steerable (ESA), the Ka 1204A flat antennas has no moving parts, providing long-term reliability with lower maintenance costs. Their low profile enables the design of flat terminals to meet a range of UAS use cases. Exhibit 24:Ball Ka 1204A notional performance using commercial Ka-band subscription services. Single Crown-Mounted Configuration Dual Saddlebag Configuration As shown in Exhibit 24, using the commercial Ka-band subscription services, the Ka 1204A ESA antenna is expected to provide a typical forward link up to 8 Mbps and a return link up to 4 Mbps, with CIR throughout the world and backed by SLA. A most favorable forward link is expected to achieve up to 80 Mbps and a return link up to 34 Mbps. It will be possible to operate the Ka 1204A terminal on an Inmarsat Mil Ka-band steerable beam with a forward link up to 80 Mbps and a return link up to 20 Mbps, as shown in Exhibit 25; and a most favorable forward link up to 175 Mbps and a return link up to 150 Mbps. More details regarding this terminal are shown in Exhibit 11. Exhibit 25: Ball Ka 1204A notional performance using Inmarsat Mil Ka-band HCX. USE CASES FOR KA-BAND TERMINALS The wide range of parabolic, flat-panel and electronically-steerable antenna (ESA) allows for flexibility in employment for various use cases on various sized UAS platforms. We provide three typical uses cases for Ka-band terminals. Ƈ Use Case 1 shows a scenario with a lightweight UAS with moderate data rate requirements to pass video, low-rate sensor data, and/or to act as a voice radio relay. Typical terminals for this use case may include the Get SAT MilliSAT H LW, the Get SAT MilliSAT W LW and the Orbit GX30. Exhibit 26: Use Case 1 for Ka-band terminals Tactical ISR, Voice Relay, Full Motion Video Ƈ Use Case 2 shows a scenario with a more capable UAS with higher data rate requirements to pass video and other information from multiple sensors.Typical terminals for this use case may include the Get SAT MilliSAT EX and the Orbit GX46. Ƈ Use Case 3 shows a scenario with the most capable UAS with very high data rate requirements. Typical terminals for this use case may include the Orbit GX46, GX76 and the Ball 1204A. Global Xpress SAS Inmarsat Terrestrial Infrastructure DoD Network Global Xpress SAS Inmarsat Terrestrial Infrastructure DoD Network Global Xpress SAS Inmarsat Terrestrial Infrastructure DoD Network Exhibit 27: Use Case 2 for Ka-band terminals Tactical ISR, Various Sensors, Full Motion Video(s) Exhibit 28: Use Case 3 for Ka-band terminals Long Duration, High Altitude Multiple Sensors, High-Def Video CONCLUSION The applications of UAS and their performance continue to expand. Investments and experience have allowed significant accomplishments in the UAS realm in a relatively short period of time. Inmarsat’s worldwide L-band and Ka-band communications solutions provide an excellent means of supporting BLOS communications for UAS platforms. Capabilities on the Inmarsat satellite constellations continue to advance — which expands the “art of the possible” for UAS whose missions are enhanced by BLOS communications. A reader of this paper will have gained an understanding of BLOS options for various Groups of UAS. Connectivity performance models for L-band subscription services, leased L-band, Ka-band subscription services and Mil Ka-band show scalable solutions across the resilient, worldwide Inmarsat architecture. This understanding enables the formation of reasonable performance (data rate) and accommodation (SWaP) expectations for BLOS solutions. Unique applications and advanced terminal designs can expand or shrink the available trade space to a degree, but the information presented provides a solid guide for a UAS User seeking to expand their platform utility with BLOS connectivity. While the information in this document has been prepared in good faith, no representation, warranty, assurance or undertaking (express or implied) is or will be made, nor will responsibility or liability (howsoever arising) be accepted by the Inmarsat group or any of its officers, employees or agents in relation to the adequacy, accuracy, completeness, reasonableness or fitness for purpose of the information in this document. All and any such responsibility and liability is expressly disclaimed and excluded to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law. INMARSAT is a trademark owned by the International Mobile Satellite Organization licensed to Inmarsat Global Limited. All other Inmarsat trademarks in this document, including the Inmarsat LOGO, are owned by Inmarsat Global Limited. © Inmarsat Government Inc. All rights reserved. November 2021.