Page 44: of Maritime Logistics Professional Magazine (Q3 2011)

44 Maritime Professional 3Q 2011MARITIME COMMS2009 to promote security and stability across the approxi-mately 2.5 million square miles of international waters in the Middle East. A key to the success of the naval coalition efforts is the ability for all members of the multinational task force to communicate effectively and efficiently despite dif- ferences in data network specifications. This necessarily requires a common satellite communications system that candeliver high-performance at low cost, handle heavy data flow, and is easy to deploy on multiple platforms. One such system involves the TracPhone® V7 with mini-VSAT BroadbandSM global service network from KVH Industries, Inc. This end- to-end solution includes the 24" (60 cm) diameter TracPhone V7 maritime antenna, integrated below-decks equipment, and the global mini-VSAT Broadband service, built on a founda- tion of ViaSat?s ArcLight® spread spectrum technology. Coalition anti-piracy operations rely on clear and non- ambiguous communication. Operational forces that are con-stantly changing need SATCOM systems that are simple to install and operate, deliver global coverage with reliable high- performance at an affordable price. Unfortunately, the high cost of Inmarsat data and high latency, combined with the high data volume required by CENTRIXS, resulted in pro- hibitively high SATCOM costs. Providing ample proof that a viable solution is readily available, U.S. and Turkish naval vessels participating in a recent anti-piracy operation were equipped with the TracPhone V7 system. Drawing on extensive USCG testing and evaluations, Coalition forces chose the KVH Industries? TracPhone V7 with the mini-VSAT Broadband network, which addressed the solution to the multiple challenges of performance,affordability and ease of installation and operation. The 24/7 nature of USCG operations and the extreme sea and weather conditions in which these vessels operate are proof of the durability and reliability of the TracPhone V7 and mini- VSAT Broadband service. Indeed, the TracPhone V7 SAT- COM system is installed on multiple USCG PSUs deployed in the Arabian Gulf to assist with guarding high-value oil and gas platforms.Following its assignment to the Combined Maritime Forces, the U.S. Navy purchased six TracPhone V7 units with mini-VSAT Broadband global service based, in part, on the success of the USCG?s mini-VSAT Broadband testing and deployment. Today, TracPhone V7 systems are installed on high-value oil and gas terminals in the Arabian Gulf, and on U.S. Navy and coalition vessels participating in the Combined Maritime Forces. The units are available to be deployed as needed in the Gulf of Aden, the Gulf of Oman, and the Arabian Gulf. These systems have already been suc- cessfully deployed on vessels of the navies of Thailand, Pakistan and Bahrain, among others. Based upon their expe- riences with the coalition, the Republic of Korea Navy, which recently took over command of CTF-151, purchased three of KVH?s TracPhone V7 systems for installation in their vessels serving in the CMF task forces.KVH?s TracPhone V7 with mini-VSAT Broadband service offers a range of affordable airtime plans, including always-on, fixed-price monthly options and per-megabyte plans that allow TracPhone V7 customers to save as much as 85% or more per megabyte than existing maritime data services. MP #3 (34-49):MP Layouts 8/17/2011 4:29 PM Page 44