The Polish Armed Forces will receive 100 super high frequency (SHF) satellite terminals between 2022–24, following an agreement between the Polish Armament Inspectorate and Polish-based company GISS, the Polish Armament Agency announced on 28 February. The agency demanded that the terminals must be operational with two types of composite antennas (60 and 100 cm) and two types of modems; GISS subsequently proposed modems manufactured by Teledyne Paradise Datacom (SCPC) and ND Satcom GmbH (TDMA). The PLN38.1 million (USD8.8 million) contract will involve the delivery of portable SHF tactical-level satellite terminals, which will provide reliable, mobile, and territorially unlimited satellite communications.
ManPack COBALT is a group of lightweight, modular mobile terminals that provide reliable communications in all conditions and are designed to be carried and operated by a single operator. The terminal system can be equipped with antenna sizes: 60 cm, 80 cm, 100 cm, 120 cm and 130 cm. The ManPack Cobalt terminal is designed to work with 5 to 40W transmitters and provides Ku, X and Ka band capability. The system allows to use satellite modems of Teledyne Technologies, NDSatCom and satellite modems manufactured by ST Engineering iDirect. The change of working band is performed by quick replacement of antenna feed and RF module. Terminal is equipped with proprietary pointing support system that operates with a set of integrated sensors indicating required reflector position for each of the 3 axes – azimuth, elevation and polarization.
GISS was originally founded in 2012 as a company operating in the aviation and military communications market. In the first phase of the company’s history, the business model was based on international cooperation as a technical solution provider. In addition, the GISS engineering team continuously increased its competence in the installation and service of ILS/DME navigation equipment. In 2016, GISS has opened the R&D department and initiated development activities in the field of innovative and proprietary products of the satellite communications sector. In 2018, GISS is holding an established position in the market of satellite communications, air traffic management & navigation systems and in the sector of shooting solutions (training facilities). This year saw the start of construction of the GISS research and development centre. In 2021, the facility was completed and a professional centre for new satellite communications technologies was opened.
