OTTAWA, Ontario, May 18, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- EMS SATCOM (a division of EMS Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:ELMG)) revealed today that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Branch of the Department of Homeland Security successfully flight-tested the company's eNfusion Broadband communications solution earlier this year. Equipment tests took place aboard a P3 Orion multi-mission aircraft.
"EMS SATCOM is able to provide the most bandwidth over the global Inmarsat satellite network, and is ideal for the variety of missions that the P3 aircraft performs. Bandwidth-on-demand provides the most cost-effective use of this system, and multiplies the mission effectiveness of the aircraft," said Stephen Newell, director of Government Sales for EMS SATCOM.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection P-3 Orion Aircraft, based in Corpus Christie, Texas, are primarily used for detection, monitoring and interdiction of drug trafficking in Central and South America. An aircraft equipped with EMS SATCOM's eNfusion Broadband communications system uses the combination of an EMS SATCOM HSD-128 (high-speed data terminal), two HSDXs, and an AMT-50 Antenna and radome, to produce 256 kbps of communications bandwidth. A key feature is its ability to automatically turn channels on and off, based on communication requirements -- making contact with the command center virtually seamless. The new real-time communication capability will allow U.S. Customs and Border Protection and other agencies like FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Administration), and the Department of Energy to perform their work more effectively. The single most important advantage of the solution is immediate access to information -- for better decisions and faster reaction times.
"This is another significant success for EMS SATCOM," said Senior Vice President and General Manager Dr. Neil Mackay. "The evolving role of the U.S. Coast Guard and Border Protection has led to new requirements and ways of working. We are particularly proud that our solution will help make missions more effective."
More about the full eNfusion Solution
HSD-128: a broadband communications terminal that provides secure access to VPNs, and delivers e-mail, videoconferencing and Internet.
AMT-50 antenna: a high gain Aero-H/H+ multi-channel antenna that is light weight, tail-mounted and reliable; it provides hemispherical coverage, with no keyholes or gaps.
HSD-X data extension: an add-on module that provides additional speed to the HSD terminal's throughput. Designed for the future, the HSD-400 line will support CNS/ATM and evolving SwiftBroadband services.
CNX cabin network accelerator: a special-purpose, aircraft-certified network solution that combines data acceleration, routing, inverse multiplexing, ISDN, terminal adapter, Ethernet hub, and telephony support; it increases Satcom network throughput by up to 400 percent, providing high-speed connectivity to and from the air.
About U.S. Customs and Border Protection
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control, and protection of our Nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.
About EMS Technologies, Inc.
EMS Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:ELMG) is a leading innovator in the design and manufacture of wireless, satellite and defense solutions, and focuses its unique range of advanced technologies on the needs of broadband and mobile information users. The Company is headquartered in Atlanta, has almost 1,800 workers worldwide, and operates manufacturing facilities in Atlanta, Montreal, Ottawa and Brazil.
The SATCOM Division of EMS Technologies, based in Ottawa, Canada, specializes in the design and development of satellite-based terminals and antennas for the aeronautical, land mobile, maritime and emergency management markets. The Division is a leader in developing and supplying high-speed data communications equipment for delivering e-mail and Internet capabilities to aircraft cabins.
For more information, visit the Company's website at www.emssatcom.com
Note to Editors: VISIT EMS SATCOM at EBACE in Geneva in the Inmarsat Stand No. 7764, or our online pressroom at www.emssatcom.com/EBACE.