Satellite tech maker gets $7.1M U.S. Air Force order

Melville-based Comtech Communications Corp. has won a $38-million contract for... — Melville-based Comtech Communications Corp. has won a $38-million contract for a small U.S. Navy spacecraft that will map the stars. Credit: Handout

By Joseph MalliaAugust 23, 2011

A subsidiary of Comtech Telecommunications Corp., the Melville defense electronics contractor, has a new $7.1 million order to supply Ka-band satellite signal amplifiers for the U.S. Air Force.

The equipment is intended for use in what's known as C4ISR military operations -- command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. Ka-band amplifiers are part of a generation of high-frequency satellite technology that can transmit more data than standard Ku band equipment. Ka-band transmissions also have the benefit of requiring smaller receivers than previous-generation signals.

The subsidiary is Comtech Xicom Technology Inc., of Santa Clara, Calif., which makes commercial and military satellite signal amplifiers for use on the ground, on ships and in the air. The $7.1 million order is from an Air Force prime contractor; Xicom is a subcontractor .

"Comtech's high-power amplifiers will be used in transportable USAF satellite terminals and expand an existing U.S. Air Force military satellite communications network," Xicomtech said in a news release.

"The Ka-band antenna-mount amplifiers ... are designed for operation in challenging worldwide environments."

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