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Comtech Telecommunications Corp. Announces Its Next-Generation
BFT-HC Transceiver and Advanced Ground Station Technology
MELVILLE, N.Y., Feb 17, 2009 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX
News Network) -- Comtech Telecommunications Corp. (Nasdaq:CMTL)
announced today that its Maryland-based subsidiary,
Comtech Mobile Datacom Corporation recently filed patents
for two key components of its next-generation Blue
Force Tracking-High Capacity (BFT-HC) network. The
BFT-HC network meets or exceeds all requirements for
the next-generation BFT system required by the Force
XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below -- Blue Force
Tracking (FBCB2-BFT) program, a battle command real-time
situational awareness and control system. BFT-HC provides
on-the-move satcom data rates up to 230 kbps, and is
fully backwards compatible with our existing BFT-1
platforms. This allows us to provide maximum flexibility
to our customer by supporting either a gradual or rapid
roll-out, and minimizing total next-generation deployment
costs by maximizing the use of the existing, proven
network infrastructure and mobile communication systems.
Advanced Software Defined Radio
The first patent filing covers our Advanced Software
Defined Radio (ASDR) transceiver, or BFT-HC transceiver.
The ASDR represents a significant leap forward in our
mobile transceiver technology and is designed to meet
or exceed all performance requirements identified for
the BFT program's next-generation satellite-based communications
network.
The ASDR achieves high satcom data rates on-the-move
in a rugged military form factor at a very competitive
price. This is accomplished using a very low cost nine-element
phased array antenna that electronically steers the
antenna beam down to the horizon. This breakthrough
antenna technology provides superior high gain allowing
customers to purchase below nominal power off the satellite,
leading to substantial service cost savings. In addition
to the 230 kbps data rate, the ASDR provides six other
data rates optimizing performance options to take advantage
of lower power satellites or enabling operation in
dense foliage. The ASDR transceiver incorporates Comtech
AHA's Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) forward error
correction technology to ensure the ASDR establishes
the highest possible link quality. The ASDR is on track
to complete its FIPS-140-2, Level 2, security validation.
Of critical importance to our BFT customer in this
budget conscious time is the fact that the ASDR is
fully backwards compatible with the existing MT2011
BFT-1 transceiver and current satellite network infrastructure,
enabling a seamless BFT-HC rollout now and smooth transition
into their next generation satellite based tracking
system.
Adaptive Multi-User Detection
The second patent filing covers our next-generation
earth station technology for the BFT-HC network referred
to as Adaptive Multi-User Detection (AMD). This next-generation
AMD equipment employs advanced signal processing techniques
hosted on state-of-the-art hardware, which allows near
real-time processing of overlapping signals transmitted
by numerous mobile terminals. The sophistication of
this state-of-the-art signal processing technique dramatically
expands the capacity of the mobile satellite uplink.
We have an exclusive license with our partner DSpace
for use of their patented algorithm in the U.S. DOD
mobile tracking market. Comtech's patent filing pertains
to taking the DSpace algorithm and employing new techniques
that allow the highly complex multi-user detection
algorithm to execute in real time on cost-effective
processors. We believe Comtech is the first company
to deploy this advanced technology into an active satellite
environment for mobile users.
Our AMD technology provides a 20 times capacity improvement
when compared to previous generation earth station
equipment. AMD is a fully backward compatible technology,
and is already being deployed into our active earth
stations to improve the capacity of the existing BFT-1
system. This feature allows our BFT customer to enjoy
the immediate benefits of this forward leaning technology
while planning for the seamless move to the BFT-HC
transceiver and their next-generation satellite-based
tracking system.
We will be introducing the ASDR/BFT-HC transceiver
at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA)
Winter Symposium and Exhibition, 25 - 27 February 2009,
at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention
Center (Booth #2737).
This will be followed by a formal product launch for
the ASDR/BFT-HC transceiver and the AMD product during
the Satellite 2009/MSUA Conference and Exhibition,
25 - 27 March, at the Washington DC Convention Center
(Booth # 1104).
Finally, we will exhibit our BFT-HC products during
the AFCEA Belvoir Industry Days -- featuring PEO-EIS;
25 - 27 March at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention
Center, Washington, DC (Booth #1624).
About Comtech
Comtech Mobile Datacom Corporation, a Germantown, Maryland-based
company, is engaged in the provision of satellite-based
packet data communication systems and location and
messaging services through the use of advanced communication
and network technology. Comtech's Model MT-2012 Transceiver
features Savi Technology's ISO-compliant EchoPoint
RFID Reader, as well as secure Global Positioning System
(GPS) capabilities. To learn more about Comtech Mobile
Datacom, please visit the company's website at www.comtechmobile.com.
Comtech Telecommunications Corp. designs, develops,
produces and markets innovative products, systems and
services for advanced communications solutions. The
Company believes many of its solutions play a vital
role in providing or enhancing communication capabilities
when terrestrial communications infrastructure is unavailable
or ineffective. The Company conducts business through
three complementary segments: telecommunications transmission,
mobile data communications and RF microwave amplifiers.
The Company sells products to a diverse customer base
in the global commercial and government communications
markets. The Company believes it is a market leader
in the market segments that it serves.
Certain information in this press release contains
statements that are forward-looking in nature and involve
certain significant risks and uncertainties. Actual
results could differ materially from such forward-looking
information. The Company's Securities and Exchange
Commission filings identify many such risks and uncertainties.
Any forward-looking information in this press release
is qualified in its entirety by the risks and uncertainties
described in such Securities and Exchange Commission
filings.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Michael D. Porcelain, Senior Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer
Jerome Kapelus, Senior Vice President, Strategy and
Business Development
(631) 962-7000
Info@comtechtel.com
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