Comtech to supply additional travelling wave tube amplifiers for military applications

Comtech Telecommunications has been awarded a contract to supply additional high-power millimetre-wave travelling wave tube amplifiers (TWTAs) to an undisclosed US-based system integrator.

The company’s California-based subsidiary Comtech Xicom Technology will supply the amplifiers for US military applications. The agreement, valued at $3.8m, is a follow-on order.

They are expected to be used for a major US Army satellite communications programme for transportable satellite communications (SATCOM) systems, which are designed to offer voice, data and video conferencing, as well as internet and high-resolution video connectivity for deployed military forces.

Comtech Telecommunications president and chief executive officer Dr Stanton Sloane said: "Comtech is pleased to continue our support for this important programme and the warfighter with our industry-leading high-power, high-efficiency amplifiers.

"Our customers are directly benefiting from the significant investment we have made in enhancing efficiency to provide the highest linear powers in the most compact and rugged packages possible, while maintaining our high standards for quality and reliability in challenging environments."

TWTAs are rugged, outdoor amplifiers designed to operate in temperatures ranging from more than -40°C to 60°C.

The small and lightweight units can be easily mounted directly at the feed of medium-sized antennas, reducing installation and operation costs.

They also incorporate updates from L-band for 1GHz to 2GHz input operation and simple network management protocol-based Ethernet monitor and control interfaces.

Additional contract details, including the number of amplifiers ordered and delivery schedule, remain undisclosed.