L-TAC (UHF/VHF Augmentation)

Inmarsat’s award-winning L-band tactical satellite service (L-TAC) offers global, satellite-based, beyond line of sight (BLOS) communications on the move (COTM) for Ultra High Frequency (UHF) and Very High Frequency (VHF) radio users.

One great solution, two options

Purchase a radio. With a L-TAC subscription Harris PRC-163, PRC-167 and Thales 148E radios convert UHF & VHF signals to L-band satellite communications (SATCOM). The radio operates the same as any other radio but provides a significant range extension.

Convert your existing radios to L-TAC with the use of a Spectra Group (UK) Limited applique (SlingShot^®). The L-TAC applique converts the in-service UHF & VHF radio signals to a L-band SATCOM signal. The radio operates in the same way as it does in line-of-sight mode but provides a significant range extension.

The L-TAC service is delivered via the Inmarsat ELERA global network using the tactical radios’ native waveforms, encryption and a secure terrestrial network, giving users the same experience as UHF/VHF communications, but through a cost-effective L-band satellite channel. It delivers a combination of reliable voice and data connectivity that is available globally, independently of local infrastructure.

The L-TAC service supports military and civilian operations for several applications, including aviation, vehicle, maritime and manpack. A lower-profile, vehicle-mount antenna is available supporting on-the-move L-TAC operations.

L-TAC evolution

The latest evolution of our L-TAC offering delivers new features that allow global service on-demand and provide users with rapid and responsive service activation:

• The enhanced L-TAC solution automates the ordering and provisioning system. It delivers an automated L-TAC channel assignment capability for resource allocation. As a result, end users can order immediate service to areas of operation and can schedule their resources more efficiently.
• This solution also features a web portal that allows end users or Inmarsat partners to order or schedule L-TAC service. Users can request and receive service on-demand in specific beams and over geographic regions when and where they need to operate.
• Furthermore, customers now have access to a radio frequency over Internet protocol (RFoIP) solution that supports remote monitoring of L-TAC channels. This enables L-TAC user nets to be remote anywhere in the world over an IP connection, connecting users to a customer Headquarters, Forward Operating Bases or remote sites.

To learn more about L-TAC and its latest innovation, download our white paper.