Airbus 4.0 Meter Rapid Capability Terminals will be deployed by Royal Netherlands Air Force PLANO, TX — Airbus DS Government Solutions (Airbus DS-GS) has announced a contract with the Netherlands Defence Material Organization to purchase six Airbus 4.0M Rapid Capability Terminals (RCT). The expeditionary satellite communications (SATCOM) terminals will support the Royal Netherlands Air Force and will be used in deployment areas where large amounts of data will be sent to the Netherlands over long periods of time. Easy to set up and dismantle, the RCT terminals will allow the Air Force to make more efficient use of the available SATCOM bandwidth. The contract with the Netherlands Defence Material Organization represents Airbus-DS-GS’ first sale of the RCT to a European country. The agreement is for up to 10 years, allowing the RCT terminals to become a vital support component to the next-generation aircraft’s deployment capability and sustainability.

“We are glad to sign the contract with Airbus DS-GS to provide us with the latest-generation 4 meter, multi-band Rapid Capability Terminal,” said Ronald van den Akerboom, Project Manager for Satcom Projects for the Netherlands Defence Material Organization. “Airbus provided us the best option in terms of technology, composition and price. Several factors were especially important to us, including the solid state amplifiers in the multi-band terminal, the compact container that makes the unit highly transportable by land, sea and air, and the capability of rapid deployment by two persons.”

A gateway class SATCOM terminal, the Airbus 4.0M RCT deploys quickly and provides a high data rate. The carbon-fiber antenna and proprietary pedestal can be easily assembled by two operators. The unit is lightweight with maximum stiffness, yet offers compact and highly robust components.

“The RCT is the result of our innovative approach to satcom solution development,” said Cliff Marcy, Director of Solutions & Products at Airbus DS-GS. “It’s proven and combat-tested, allowing expeditionary communications in austere environments while providing a robust and compact solution for sustained operations. We look forward to this opportunity with the Royal Netherlands Air Force and the RCT.”

 About Airbus DS Government Solutions, Inc.Airbus DS-GS is an industry leader in satcom and networking systems. The company’s unparalleled experience enables it to perfect requirement analysis, system design, turnkey delivery and logistics support of satcom systems. Airbus DS-GS creates innovative, effective space and defense solutions for customers, keeping them ahead of the technological curve and driving the industry forward.