L-3 Communications to provide very small aperture terminal satellite systems for U.S. Special Operations Command

NEW YORK, N.Y., 13 July 2012. L-3 GCS, a subsidiary of L-3 Communications (NYSE: LLL), will provide the U.S. Special operations Command with very small aperture terminal satellite (VSAT) systems. The program, known as Special Operations Forces deployable node-family of terminals (SDN-Lite FoT), will provide tactically deployed Special Operations Forces (SOF) users with worldwide communications connectivity. The total contract value is up to $500 million over the next five years.

VSATs are two-way satellite ground stations, or stabalized maritime VSAT antennas outfitted with a small dish antenna. VSATs access satellites in geosynchronous orbit to relay data from one terminal to another, allowing for communication to and from areas that have no other reliable communication systems.

L-3 GCS will begin delivering tri-band Hawkeye III Lite 1.2-meter terminals and quad-band 2.0-meter terminals later this year.

Located in Victor, N.Y., L-3 GCS is a provider of satellite communications systems that integrate data, broadband Internet, telephony, multimedia, audio, video and computer networking. Systems designed by L-3 GCS are commonly used by the U.S. Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security, as well as federal agencies and commercial sector customers.