Boeing Chooses ETL’s RF Equipment to Support New Inmarsat Satellite GX Fleet

27 March 2014

ETL Systems, a global designer and manufacturer of RF signal distribution equipment for satellite communications, has been chosen by Boeing to support Inmarsat’s GX services for high speed maritime communications.  

A range of ETL’s RF systems will support the first of three Global Xpress^® (GX) satellites. The Inmarsat-5 F1 has launched and successfully completed its orbital deployment stages on schedule. The first teleport, in Fucino, Italy, where ETL’s equipment is installed, is being commissioned next month. Inmarsat-5 F1 is on course to commence commercial service of its high-speed broadband GX connectivity service by mid-year 2014. 

From its geostationary orbital location at 62.6 degrees East, the I-5 F1 will offer high-throughput broadband services. The satellite, manufactured by Boeing, features 89 beams and six steerable high-power spot beams, which will enable Inmarsat to increase capacity based on customer demand.  

ETL Systems was chosen to supply its new Alto range of line amplifiers as well as RF splitters and combiners for the ground segment of the project. These offer signal optimisation and signal distribution over L-band, and provide remote control and monitoring for 24 hour operations.   

As ETL systems recently launched its North American operations, headed by Susan Saadat, Vice President of ETL’s North American Sales and Operations, this is an excellent example of the expansion that is being achieved in the US.  

“This new project with Boeing is another example of our growing international trade,” said Ms Saadat. “More than 40 per cent of our turnover is coming from US sales and we are encouraged to see those numbers rise. We strive to continue to produce the most resilient RF distribution products and maintain ourselves as a key player in the satellite market.”