The Holkirk Scorpion is a highly successful manpack satellite terminal known for its integrated, rugged, and reliable design. Its key features included housing all necessary components in a single case, multi-band (X, Ku, Ka) capabilities with various reflector sizes, an IP65 rating for extreme weather, an innovative tripod design to mitigate ground effect heating, flexible AC/DC power options, and an onboard Manual Pointing Assistant (MPAD3) for easy satellite acquisition. It was also network-ready with integrated modem support and offered both local and remote operation via a web-based GUI. The Scorpion’s success stemmed from its ability to provide high-performance, portable satellite communication for critical military, emergency response, and remote field operations.

The Scorpion’s ability to deliver high-performance, reliable satellite communication in a man-portable package quickly makes it a go-to solution for military, emergency response, and remote field operations.

The Leap to SCARAB: Ultra-Compact and Advanced Control

While the Scorpion excelled, the market’s appetite for even greater portability and enhanced control capabilities led to the development of the SCARAB. The core demand was to retain the Scorpion’s robust features but with an ultra-compact 3-axis drive ACU and the seamless integration of the Holkirk common interface. This vision for a more agile and user-friendly terminal in the field was the driving force behind the SCARAB’s conception.

 The Holkirk common interface, known as the Antenna Interface Module (AIM), played a pivotal role. AIM is a sophisticated, user-friendly mobile ACU designed to streamline satellite acquisition across all Holkirk Next Generation Land Terminals. Its ability to guide users step-by-step through the acquisition process, provide graphical feedback, and offer advanced functionalities like NORAD TLE data integration and a 24-hour learning algorithm for inclined orbit tracking, made it the ideal control platform for the SCARAB. The market desired this consistent and intuitive control experience, regardless of the terminal’s size or specific application.

Features of the Holkirk SCARAB Next Generation Land Terminal

The Holkirk SCARAB stands as a testament to Holkirk’s commitment to innovation, packing unparalleled flexibility and adaptability into an ultra-compact, multi-band, multi-orbit manpack terminal. Its key features include:

• Ultra-Compact and Manpack Design: Engineered for extreme portability, making it ideal for rapid deployment in the most demanding environments.
• Multi-Band Capability (X-band, Ku-band, Ka-band): Offers broad frequency support for diverse communication requirements.
• Multi-Orbit Operation (GEO, MEO, HEO): Ensures consistent coverage and high-speed data transfer rates across various satellite orbits, including advanced tracking for non-geostationary inclined orbits, NEO and even HEO.
• Revolutionary Quick-Change RF Transceiver System: Allows operators to effortlessly switch between frequency bands without the need for additional tools or technical expertise, significantly reducing setup time and complexity.
• Integrated Holkirk AIM 3-Axis Drive ACU: Provides precise and intuitive automated pointing and tracking. This includes:
  • Auto-Pointing with GPS: Simplifies operations for mobile and emergency response teams.
  • Advanced Tracking Algorithms: Optimised for dynamic satellite movements, ensuring stable and reliable connectivity even with satellites in highly inclined orbits.
  • NORAD TLE Data Integration: Leverages up-to-date satellite catalogue data for highly accurate position prediction. more information
  • 24-Hour Learning Algorithm: Continuously analyses and adapts to satellite movement patterns for unparalleled precision in non-GEO satellite tracking, even without a constant beacon.

User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive graphics and step-by-step instructions guide users through the acquisition process, making it accessible for operators with varying levels of experience.

• 30-Satellite Database: Stores configuration details for multiple satellites, enabling quick transitions in X, Ku and Ka-Bands and multi-orbit missions.
• BUC/LNB Integrated M&C: Allows for comprehensive monitoring and control of RF components.
• No Tools Required Assembly: Rapid deployment is a core design principle, minimising setup time in critical situations.
• Rugged and Weatherproof Design: Meets MIL-STD 810g standards, ensuring robust performance in extreme conditions and high resiliency.
• Flexible Power Input: Supports 24VDC and 110-240VAC, with options for battery packs.
• Integrated Modem Support: Compatible with a range of modems such as iDirect, Newtec, Teledyne, IQ200, UHP210, and DMD1050.
• Configurable Reflector Sizes: Available from 60cm to 1.3M reflectors to suit various bandwidth and portability needs.

 The Holkirk SCARAB represents a significant leap forward in Very Small Flyaway Antenna (VSFA) satellite communication, offering the power and versatility previously found in larger systems, but within an ultra-compact and incredibly user-friendly package. It truly embodies the next generation of land terminals, empowering users with seamless and reliable connectivity wherever their mission takes them.