Comtech Win Offshore Platform Microwave Communications Contract

Orlando, Florida-based, Comtech Systems, has received a US$2.4-million contract to install the world’s first digital over-the-horizon microwave communications system, to be used on a deep water tension-leg oil platform for a major international oil company.

The design of this system was first developed by Comtech Systems, Inc. for a semi-submersible platform in 2008 and was recently deployed in the South China Sea in the summer of 2013. These systems are unique for troposcatter communications because they require a stabilized antenna system on the offshore floating platform able to keep locked to a fixed antenna at a shore location in a variety of sea states, all of this while maintaining the high quality of service required by the customer for its communications to the land-based communications center.

Comtech say it was chosen for this project due to its innovative antenna stabilization design, its long history as a world leader in troposcatter equipment and systems, and its high data rate, field proven troposcatter digital modem. The system will have a data rate of up to twenty megabits per second (20Mbps), and will be used to carry both digital voice and data traffic. Comtech Systems will be supplying its adaptive digital modem, troposcatter radio system and high-power amplifiers, as well as antennas.

In commenting on this award, Fred Kornberg, President and Chief Executive Officer of Comtech Telecommunications Corp., said "Once again, Comtech was chosen due to our extensive experience and proven design capability in fielding high capacity troposcatter products and systems, as well as our proven tropo modem performance."

www.comtechsystems.com