Atlantic Microwave attaches satellite simulator to drone

AtlantecRF Ku-band drone satellite simulator. (Photo: Atlantic Microwave)

Atlantic Microwave, a U.K.-based satellite communications company, has announced the maiden flight of its DSS Satellite Simulator product on board an eight-rotor drone.

Off-air testing of ground- and vehicle-based satellite communications systems has developed into a major industry need with the current explosion of satcom applications in multiple industries, Atlantic Microwave said.

Atlantic’s satellite simulator and loop-test translators were aboard the drone in a first flight in Denmark, using frequencies in the Ku band for proof of concept. Atlantic is also offering similar payloads in Ka band (which delivers greater bandwidth), X band for the military, as well as future Q and V band operations.

“We are in an exciting age where new technologies are shaping our current and future lifestyles,” said Atlantic’s CEO, Geoff Burling.”At Atlantic Microwave, we embrace these advances and seek, innovatively, to create solutions in all kinds of communications industries.”

Atlantic Microwave, based in Braintree, U.K., provides satellite simulation with antenna and cabled-in based products, which have been supplied to major satcom operators, integrators and manufacturers on all continents.