QINETIQ FITS SATELLITE COMMS SYSTEM TO MERLIN MK3 FLEET.

ETL where proud to play a large part in QinetiQs installation programme success:-

QinetiQ has successfully completed the integration of a beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) satellite communications system into each of the RAF’s fleet of 22 Mk3 Merlin’s in preparation for their possible deployment to Afghanistan. The work, valued at just over £1 Million, covers manufacturing the modification kits, fleet embodiment and one year theatre support.

The contract followed QinetiQ’s successful integration of a satellite communications system onto a number of MOD Joint Helicopter Command (JHC) assets, as part of an in-theatre Urgent Operational Requirement (UOR) programme that commenced back in the Spring of 2007. The original BLOS programme took QinetiQ just 12 weeks to evaluate, develop and deliver an initial solution that integrated various commercial-of-the-shelf components with bespoke elements and was flight certified so that it could operate on various JHC deployed assets. With the addition of a number of ground stations, the BLOS solution provided simple and efficient end-to-end voice communications capabilities for various rotary aircraft types with operational headquarters.