US Army procuring additional GATR Technologies Inflatable Satellite Antennas.

The US defense contractor GATR Technologies has been awarded a US$522 million contract to procure multiple size Inflatable Satellite Antenna (ISA) systems, kits, spares, and associated training, the US Department of Defense stated on August 10, 2018.

Ground to Air Transmit and Receive Inflatable Satellite Antennas are increasing agility and expeditionary nature of U.S. forces
(Credit: U.S. Army)

"Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 26, 2023. U.S. Army Contracting Command, New Jersey, is the contracting activity," the Pentagon added.

The Gatr 1.2-meter and 2.4-meter inflatable satellite terminals provide high-bandwidth network communications and mission command for initial entry and sustained forward operations. Its compact size and innovative design improves transportability, bandwidth and set up speed, and its inflatable feature allows it to provide a larger dish size in similar transit volume and weight compared to a traditional rigid dish, with increased capability and bandwidth efficiency.

Fitting in just two transit cases, the GATR antenna provides the same robust data links as conventional, rigid satellite dishes, but weighs up to 80 percent less.

Its unique ultra-portable design can provide high-bandwidth communications for transmission of classified and unclassified data, voice and video, all in a compact, highly survivable package. The flexible ball and dish weigh only 25 pounds, making the entire system small and light enough to be transported as checked baggage on commercial aircraft, and once on-site, it can be set-up in less than 30 minutes.

The system features a dynamic inflation mechanism that is easy to turn on and off and provides immediate, automatic adjustment to pressure changes caused by environmental factors. The GATR antenna system also contains a battery back-up system to ensure continuity of operations for at least six hours in the event of power loss.

The GATR is currently used by U.S. and foreign military, intelligence, and homeland security, as well as commercial and non-governmental organizations at Ku-, C-, and X-band.