Overwatch Shipboard SatCom Solutions Selected for Yahsat System

• Yahsat has partnered with EADS Astrium and Thales Alenia Space to build a multi-purpose satellite communications system

(Austin, Texas & Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, October 16, 2009) -- Overwatch, an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced that its Communications Systems business has been selected by Astrium Limited of the United Kingdom to provide satellite communications (SATCOM) solutions in support of Yahsat.

Yahsat has partnered with EADS Astrium and Thales Alenia Space to build a multi-purpose satellite communications system. The Yahsat system includes two multipurpose satellites designed to provide both government and commercial SATCOM capabilities. Overwatch will provide three one-meter, Ka-band shipboard antennas and accompanying radomes that are expected to be utilized aboard United Arab Emirates naval ships. The award includes options for up to 30 additional units.


"This award builds on the successful relationship established between Astrium and Overwatch on the ASTIS program in support of the Royal Australian Navy," says Communications Systems Business Area Manager Terry Benson. "With this new endeavor, Overwatch is bringing its proven experience and mature military SATCOM technologies to new users."

Overwatch delivers single-band and simultaneous multiband SATCOM system solutions for flyaway, transportable, fixed-site and shipboard applications. Overwatch also is a full-service SATCOM solution integrator

Source : Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT)