The modern operational landscape has rendered traditional communication methods vulnerable, creating an urgent need for secure, resilient, and highly portable connectivity that can function under the most extreme conditions. In a significant move to address this gap, global satellite operator Eutelsat and terminal specialist Intellian Technologies have unveiled the Intellian OW7MP, a military-grade manpack terminal engineered to leverage the power of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations. This device promises to deliver high-throughput, low-latency connectivity directly to the dismounted operator, potentially reshaping communication capabilities for government and defense forces operating at the tactical edge where information superiority is paramount. The introduction of such technology signifies a pivotal shift from reliance on centralized, vehicle-mounted systems to a more agile and distributed communication architecture, empowering individual operators with unprecedented access to data.
A New Paradigm in Operator Mobility
The core innovation of the Intellian OW7MP lies in its radical reimagining of portability and rapid deployment for high-performance satellite communications. This terminal is specifically designed to be an ultra-portable solution, compact enough to be carried within a standard military rucksack by a single individual. This form factor marks a crucial departure from the cumbersome, vehicle-mounted, or fixed-site terminals that have historically defined tactical satellite access. By placing this capability directly in the hands of the dismounted operator, it enables a level of operational agility previously unattainable. The system’s design emphasizes ease of use under pressure, incorporating a “one-touch network acquisition” feature that drastically reduces setup time. In scenarios where every second is critical, the ability to establish a secure, high-speed link to the Eutelsat OneWeb LEO network almost instantaneously provides a decisive tactical advantage, whether on the front lines or in a disaster relief zone.
This enhanced portability directly translates into unparalleled operational flexibility, allowing continuous connectivity across diverse and dynamic mission profiles. The OW7MP terminal supports both Communications on the Pause (COTP), where an operator can stop to establish a robust link, and Communications on the Move (COTM), ensuring connectivity is maintained while in transit. This dual capability is a game-changer for units that cannot afford to sever their data link while repositioning. It empowers them with the same level of high-performance connectivity once reserved for static command posts, facilitating real-time applications like secure video transmission for situational awareness, crystal-clear voice communications, and rapid transfer of large data files. By ensuring a persistent connection to the LEO network, the manpack enables small, agile teams to operate with an information advantage that can significantly enhance their effectiveness and safety in the field.
Engineering for Electronically Contested Environments
A defining characteristic of the OW7MP is its inherent resilience, engineered specifically for the challenges of the modern electronic battlefield. A critical vulnerability for many military systems is their reliance on the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) for positioning and timing, which can be targeted by adversaries using jamming or spoofing techniques. The Intellian manpack directly addresses this threat by being designed to operate effectively in GPS-denied environments. It integrates advanced Resilient GNSS (R-GNSS) technology, which ensures the terminal can acquire and maintain a satellite link even when primary navigation signals are compromised or unavailable. This capability is not merely a convenience but a mission-critical feature, guaranteeing that communication lines remain open and reliable when under direct electronic attack, thereby preserving command and control when it is most needed.
Beyond its robustness against jamming, the terminal incorporates sophisticated features designed to enhance operator security and stealth. A key function is the “Tx Mute” capability, which allows the user to instantly cease all outbound transmissions with a single command. This is a vital tool for managing the unit’s electromagnetic signature, making it more difficult for hostile forces to detect, locate, and target the operator through signals intelligence. This focus on low probability of detection is a critical aspect of modern tactical operations. When combined with the encrypted, secure access to Eutelsat’s global LEO network, the terminal provides a layered defense for mission communications. This ensures not only the integrity of the data being transmitted but also the physical safety of the personnel relying on it, reflecting a design philosophy where connectivity and security are treated as inseparable requirements.
Redefining Mission Capability
The introduction of the OW7MP terminal through the Eutelsat and Intellian partnership has marked a significant step forward in tactical communications, producing a solution that directly met the evolving needs of government and defense entities worldwide. The collaboration successfully blended Eutelsat’s robust LEO network infrastructure with Intellian’s expertise in specialized hardware engineering, resulting in a highly capable manpack that delivered on its promise of portable, secure, and resilient connectivity. Its ability to function in GPS-denied environments, coupled with its rapid deployment features, established it as a critical asset for modern operations where agility and information dominance were key. This development strengthened Eutelsat’s position in the government services market and provided end-users with a powerful new tool that fundamentally enhanced their operational effectiveness and safety at the tactical edge.
