PathFinder utilizes state-of-the-art RF and Free Space Optical technology and the highest quality hardware to render fully operational pre-integrated satellite ground terminals ready to put into service.

Whether fixed, manpack, case-mounted fly-away, fly-and-drive, trailer mounted, or vehicle mounted, PathFinder develops and configures any type of system to fulfill the customer’s satellite ground terminal needs. With antenna system configurations ranging in size from airline checkable to large aperture earth-stations, PathFinder’s solutions can operate anywhere in the world on multiple bands including L / S / C / X / Ku / K / Ka / Q / U / V / W bands.

Solution Examples:

Kymeta u8 MIL Hybrid Terminal - Osprey u8

To help convert Kymeta’s commercial u8 terminal into a solution appropriate for DoD applications, PathFinder provided Kymeta with design, engineering, and manufacturing services for the development and production of Kymeta’s new u8 MIL Hybrid Terminal.  Specifically, PathFinder integrated the COTS u8 antenna into a ruggedized shroud with MIL-SPEC connectors.  PathFinder designed the enclosure to accommodate internal and external modems, sub-system disable, expansion slots (SD-WAN, NIPR, RoIP) and field swappable components (modems, SD-WAN).  All meeting MIL-STD-810G, MIL-STD-1275, MIL-STD-461, and ATPD-2404A requirements.

Global Broadcast Service (GBS) Program

PathFinder Digital was awarded a contract by prime contractor General Dynamics Mission Systems for the delivery of MVSAT terminals for the Global Broadcast Service (GBS) program. PathFinder's solution is a Ka/Ku band, airline checkable, flyaway terminal utilizing an AvL Technologies antenna. The GBS program operates as a one-way broadcast capability supporting timely delivery of video products, for mission support and in theater information transfer. PathFinder Digital's solution is operable anywhere on the GBS network, and it has been certified by ARSTRAT and MIL-STD-810G.

US Army PM Prophet

The US Army’s PM Prophet Program required mobile ground system VSAT terminals that were multiband for immediate deployment.  The terminals had to be single-case flyaway solutions that could also be removed from the cases and mounted on military vehicles. Both .75M and a 1.2/1.4M systems were required. Additionally, an integrated and self-switching power supply capable of operating off of NATO DC vehicle and worldwide shore power was needed.  And of course, the system had to meet military specifications for efficient and reliable use under stressful conditions.

PathFinder’s solution was the BAT product line, of which numerous systems have been fielded and battle-tested in Iraq and Afghanistan. PathFinder continues to support General Dynamics Mission Systems as the prime contractor on the US Army PM Prophet Program; Computer Science Corporation which supports the Program’s reset functions; and SES Government Solutions/Americom Government Services which operates the Trojan Network.

PathFinder’s BAT product line is protected under US Patent # 8,867,986 B1.

S-Band Phased Array

A U.S. customer required an airline-checkable, single-case, S-band MVSAT terminal meeting specific performance criteria. PathFinder worked with one of its antenna partners to develop a flat panel phased array antenna integrated into a PathFinder designed and engineered terminal to meet the customer’s unique and exact specifications. The customer then requested a smaller, man-pack version. The terminals surpassed all expectations operating flawlessly on the satellite network.

The terminal is also being used on the NASA TDRSS network.

Vigilant Pursuit, U.S. Army

Vigilant Pursuit combines human intelligence (HUMINT) and signals intelligence (SIGINT) capabilities to provide Soldiers with information to identify persons of interest while on a mission. HUMINT comes from information collected by Soldiers on people, while SIGINT is gathered by intercepting electronic signals. The system uses cross-cueing and tipping—two ways of passing along information without human intervention—to enable Soldiers to make decisions that require time-sensitive responses.

Stryker Mik with Tactical Electronic Warfare System (TEWS), U.S Army

The Tactical Electronic Warfare System (TEWS) is a dedicated all-weather, 24-hour, ground tactical electronic support and electronic attack system that provides the Commander with options to create multiple dilemmas to a designing enemy by decreasing the sensor to shooter timeline. TEWS will enable a Brigade Combat Team Commander to detect, locate, identify the enemy and will give the Commander the capability to act/react/counter with non-lethal effects by denying, disrupting, and degrading the enemy’s ability to communicate, coordinate, and synchronize.

Other Examples:

PathFinder utilizes state-of-the-art RF and optical laser communications technology and the highest quality hardware integrated with the appropriate satellite bandwidth to render fully operational pre-integrated systems ready to put into service.

PathFinder provides and integrates all necessary hardware, software, and interconnections that are particular to a specific requirement. PathFinder configures, tests, and validates a complete solution based on each customer’s unique needs.

Whether fixed, manpack, case-mounted fly-away, fly-and-drive, trailer mounted, or vehicle mounted, PathFinder develops and configures any type of system to fulfill the customer’s mobile communications needs.  With antenna system configurations ranging in size from airline checkable to large aperture earth-stations, PathFinder’s solutions can operate anywhere in the world on multiple bands including C/L/S/X/Ka/Ku/Q/V/W bands.

PathFinder designs, builds and equips custom communication trailers to meet its customers’ specific needs.  The customer describes the capabilities they desire and PathFinder designs the solution.  PathFinder’s trailers range from simple single axle trailers accommodating a small satellite terminal and portable generator, to complex mobile command centers equipped with dual satellite terminals, cellular connectivity, WiFi, telephony, networking, remote management, VoIP, BGAN, HVAC, flood lights and PTZ cameras; all powered by self-contained generator and electrical systems.

By using PathFinder, the customer receives a SatCom trailer with all of the capabilities that they need, without having to pay for features that they do not want.

PathFinder provides a variety of trailer platforms; from commercial highway trailers, to ruggedized military trailers, to COW systems.

Trailer Solution Examples:

NASA, Glenn Research Center

NASA Glenn Research Center required a satellite communication trailer serving dual purposes; 24/7 Emergency Communication Services (ECS) in the event of a natural or manmade disaster that disrupted conventional communications, and a Ka Band NASA TDRS capability providing a research over the air evaluation/characterization capability. The trailer was to be field deployable, environmentally controlled and self-contained providing local area networks LANs and Wide Area Networks (WANs) with user access both wired (Ethernet) and wireless (802.11) supporting VoIP, Internet Web access and Email.  The TDRSS terminal was to include a 200W TWT amplifier mounted on the feed boom, individual up and down converters, and custom integrated waveguide and supporting feed system.  Other features such as a mast, generator, electrical, lighting, surveillance, and storage capabilities were also required.  PathFinder worked with NASA to develop and build the required SatCom trailer system meeting all of NASA’s needs.

BC Hydro

BC Hydro, a hydroelectric company, required a satellite communications trailer system capable of accommodating a vehicle mounted 2.4M C-band antenna.  The customer also desired that the trailer system provide a heated work space for its operators and a battery charging system rather than the traditional generator system.  To meet the customer’s needs, PathFinder engineered and built the below “Work Station“ SatCom trailer.  This is just one of dozens of SatCom trailer systems PathFinder has designed and built to meet customers’ unique needs.

Other examples