DULUTH, Ga., 29 Oct. 2007. U.S. Marine Corps leaders needed a rugged, portable satellite communications (SATCOM) terminal to for the Support Wide Area Network (SWAN) program. They chose a terminal from DataPath Inc. in Duluth, Ga.
DataPath will provide SWE-DISH IPT Mil Suitcases (AN/USC-68), quick-to-air terminals that are small enough to be carried as suitcases or backpacks; customized, portable baseband kits providing NIPRnet, SIPRnet and voice-over-IP services; and technical support services that include training and field engineering.
DataPath's terminal and support equipment will provide an ultra-portable SATCOM solution to enable the Marines to extend the network and improve warfighter mobility while they establish and maintain broadband communications on the battlefield.
The multiyear contract award, with options, could total as much as $30 million, including an initial delivery order of $1 million, DataPath officials say.
"We looked to enable warfighters to extend the network edge beyond its traditional boundaries," says Stephen Lindeman, vice president and general manager of DataPath's Integrated Systems Division. This is critical to users such as the Marines, who will now be able to go virtually anywhere and still have access to critical intelligence video from UAVs, logistics data and other vital information via high-bandwidth satellite communications."
The SWE-DISH IPT Mil Suitcase has been deployed by allied military and government organizations throughout the world. The Suitcase system has an advanced, user-friendly design that makes the terminals easy to transport and set up, achieving satellite acquisition in less than five minutes. The Suitcase features one-person operation, an intuitive graphical user interface, automatic antenna pointing and auto peaking, and rugged military-ready construction.
SWAN is an integrated, IP-based tactical communications program that uses commercial satellite terminals, network baseband equipment, wireless systems, and software. DataPath has supported SWAN since the company worked side-by-side with the Marines to launch the program in 2004.
For more information contact DataPath online at www.datapath.com.
