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Person-pack and Very Small Flyaway satellite terminals (VSFA): Understanding the terminology

Nov 17, 2024

Word from the team…

I would like to start with the terminology for a Flyaway. It’s a broad description for land mobile satellite ground terminals but quite simple, for a terminal to be considered true flyaway system, it must comply with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations for air transport, which states; the maximum weight for checked baggage is 23 kg (50.7 lbs), with some airlines allowing up to 32 kg (70.6 lbs)

 

Flyaway terminals are designed to adhere to IATA regulations and their best practices, allowing them to be effectively utilised for a wide range of applications.

These systems are typically housed in rugged, weather-resistant cases, ensuring their operation even in adverse conditions during transport. Proper packing and handling are essential to prevent damage during air transport and to ensure quick and efficient setup upon arrival

So, as the size and power of the terminal increases from say 1.0M to 1.5M (terminology – Small / Medium flyaway systems) the weight of each case can not exceed the IATA weight restriction and therefore the number of cases will need to increase to accommodate the larger reflector and associated equipment.

 

 

As the size of the terminals increases further to say 2.5M then it is not practical to breakdown the case sizes below 23kg so the terminal becomes a ‘Deployable’ system’ not a true flyaway, still with all the no-tools features and quick assembly of a flyaway BUT not IATA compatible.

If, however, the size of the reflector is 1.0M and below the terminology for this type of terminal is ‘very small flyaway’ (VSFA) and these types of terminals lend themselves for fast response, single person operation.

 

What Sets VSFA Terminals Apart?

VSFA or Person-pack satellite terminals, also known as Manpacks, Alice packs or Backpacks are portable satellite communication systems designed for quick deployment and ease of transport.

These terminals are specifically engineered to be carried and deployed by an individual, often with the ability to have an optional carrying method via backpack straps, making them ideal for field operations where mobility and rapid setup are crucial.

Person-pack satellite terminals are a vital tool for ensuring reliable communication in challenging environments. Their portability, durability, and high performance make them indispensable for a wide range of applications.

Portability: The VSFA terminal is lightweight and compact, easily carried by a single individual, ensuring quick deployment and mobility.

 

Ease of Use: With user-friendly interfaces, these terminals can be set up and operational in minutes, even by personnel with minimal technical training.

 

Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of applications, from military operations to emergency response and media broadcasting, the VSFA terminal ensures reliable communication in any situation.

 

High Performance: Despite their small size, these terminals offer robust performance, providing high-quality data, voice, and video transmission.

 

Applications and Benefits

Military Operations: VSFA terminals provide secure and reliable communication for troops in the field, enabling quick setup and reliable connectivity even in remote locations.

 

Disaster Recovery: Emergency response teams rely on VSFA terminals to establish communication networks quickly in disaster-stricken areas, ensuring effective coordination and response.

 

Broadcasting: Journalists and media personnel use VSFA terminals to transmit live reports from remote locations, allowing for real-time coverage of events.

 

Medical Missions: These terminals support telemedicine and remote consultations in underserved or isolated regions, enabling healthcare professionals to provide medical advice and consultations remotely.

 

Holkirk’s VSFA terminals are a testament to innovation and reliability in portable satellite communication, making them an invaluable asset across multiple sectors.

With the revolutionary Quick Change Cartridge System, switching between X-band, Ku-band, and Ka-band is a breeze, ensuring seamless frequency band transitions without tools or technical expertise. The VSFA terminals are engineered to track non-geostationary (non-GEO) satellites, including inclined orbit and MEO (Medium Earth Orbit), providing high-throughput, low-latency communications.

 

Perfect for field deployments, emergency response teams, and mobile command centres, the VSFA offers user-friendly operation, lightweight portability, and weatherproof durability.

Acquiring Inclined Orbit Satellites

Our AIM control unit is engineered to track non-geostationary (non-GEO) satellites, including those in inclined orbits. These inclined orbit satellites can present challenges due to their unique movement patterns, but the AIM control unit is equipped with sophisticated functionalities to address these challenges.

Toast rack Search Method

One of the key features of the AIM control unit is its ability to perform a toast rack search. This method utilises the beamwidth of the satellite, the inclination angle, and the estimated position (box centre) of where the satellite should be. By carefully calculating these parameters, the AIM control unit systematically scans the sky, ensuring that the antenna is accurately aligned with the satellite’s position. This process optimises the acquisition and tracking of inclined orbit satellites, providing reliable communication links.

This video show a deployment to SKYNET 4E which has an incliniation of 14º

Our Services

Our Mission.

Is to empower our customers with the most advanced satellite communication systems, ensuring seamless connectivity even in the most remote and challenging environments.

Get in touch

Telephone

+44 (0) 1525 721118

Email

sales@holkirk.com

Address

Unit 19 Kenneth Way
Wilstead Business Park
Wilstead
Bedfordshire
MK45 3PD

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