Inmarsat, a leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services, has selected Cobham as the initial launch partner for maritime satellite terminals for its forthcoming Global Xpress service.

Cobham, an international firm engaged in the development, delivery and support of aerospace and defence technology and systems, said its subsidiary Sea Tel has been awarded contracts to develop, manufacture, test and distribute Global Xpress maritime satellite terminals.

As initial launch partner, Sea Tel will ensure availability of Global Xpress maritime satellite terminals at service introduction planned for 2013, , said a statement from Inmarsat.

Sea Tel will develop a new terminal specifically designed for operation in the Ka-band and will utilize a new Core Module developed by VT iDirect (iDirect).

Working together, iDirect’s Core Module and Sea Tel’s Marine Terminal will provide state-of-the-art capabilities fully consistent with the Global Xpress objective of delivering up to 50Mbps downlink speeds to 60cm aperture terminals.

As part of this contract, Sea Tel will distribute the new terminals and provide training and support prior to the launch of the first satellite.

Leo Mondale, managing director of the Global Xpress programme, said, "This agreement, and the just announced agreement with iDirect, unites the strongest suppliers in maritime VSAT with Inmarsat's high-performance Ka system architecture."

"We are working together to provide maritime customers with the outstanding quality, global coverage and seamless mobility they have come to expect from Inmarsat," he added.

Rick Pearson, general manager of Sea Tel, said, "We have decades’ long experience in designing the highest performing maritime antenna systems and pedestals for L, C, Ku and X band and have worked closely with Inmarsat on the specifications for the new 60cm Ka-band terminal."

"Global Xpress will use the latest technology across all components of the systems and allow Sea Tel the opportunity to build the next generation of the most rugged and reliable maritime terminals for Inmarsat’s next generation Ka-band satellites," he added-TradeArabia News Service