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SKYTRAC and Soteria Partner to Provide Secure BVLOS Connectivity for Special Mission Aircraft in Africa

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KELOWNA, BC, November 17, 2021 – SKYTRAC Systems Ltd. (SKYTRAC), a global leader in intelligent connectivity solutions for aviation, and Soteria Advanced Technologies Ltd. (Soteria), an industry leader in the South African aerospace, defense, and law enforcement sectors, jointly announced Soteria’s appointment as a formal SKYTRAC partner within the African region.

Soteria, leveraging their deep expertise in the African military market, has been contracted to provide the SKYTRAC SDL-350 satellite communications system for undisclosed Air Force operations in Africa. This program supports Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations with a fleet of rotary and fixed-wing aircraft. SKYTRAC’s SDL-350 and Iridium Certus connectivity services leverage the Iridium NEXT Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation to provide globally available broadband connectivity. This connectivity will enable live video streaming for ISR applications, as well as onboard Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity.

As a multifunctional and configurable system, the SDL-350 will be integrated with the Coded Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (COFDM) video, data, and audio meshed links, an Internet Protocol (IP) based intercom system, and tactical radios that provide line-of-sight (LOS) connectivity. The SDL-350 will be utilized for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) connectivity once the LOS system is effectively out of range, extending mission viability for Soteria’s African military partner.

“By enabling encrypted communications between the aircraft and ground through a private, secure network, SKYTRAC offers military-grade cybersecurity, ideal for classified military operations,” mentions Tom Roos, Managing Director, Soteria. “We look forward to introducing SKYTRAC’s connectivity solutions to the African aerospace and defense market. LEO satellite communications are revolutionizing military ISR operations, and we look forward to extending SKYTRAC’s technological prowess to our partners throughout Africa.”

The SDL-350 will enable military operators to distribute ISR information to several airborne, mobile, and ground based assets for Command and Control (C2) purposes. The SDL-350 will also support Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calls and in-cabin Wi-Fi connectivity for additional onboard devices such as workstations, mobile phones, tablets, and laptops.

“Our solutions are designed with government users in mind to offer secure and reliable communications for austere, mission-critical operations anywhere on earth,” mentions Jeff Sherwood, Director of Business Development at SKYTRAC. “We’re very excited to partner with Soteria and further demonstrate our capability to support government and military operations throughout Africa.”

For more information on SKYTRAC’s products and services, please visit www.skytrac.ca or contact sales@skytrac.ca to speak with a technical expert.

About SKYTRAC Systems Ltd.
SKYTRAC is aviation’s full-service, data-driven solutions provider serving the fixed-wing, rotorcraft, and unmanned aviation markets. Since 1986, SKYTRAC has pioneered the development, evolution and commercialization of flight following, flight data and communications technology. Today, with systems certified on over 900 airframes and an online data management portal that is the go-to tool for over 7,500 global users, SKYTRAC is truly the partner of choice for data-guided business insights. From performance trending and operations reporting to real-time asset tracking and situational awareness – SKYTRAC offers a one-stop response to meeting more of your company’s needs. For more information, visit www.SKYTRAC.ca.

About Soteria Advanced Technologies Ltd.
Soteria has more than 50 years experience in Southern African Aerospace & Defense and Law Enforcement Sectors. Experience with integration, installation & provision of Avionics, Installation provisions, Wireless Digital Audio Systems, Surveillance and Connectivity Solutions, Drone Detection and Jamming Systems, Acoustic Measuring / Detection Devices, Specialized Tracking Solutions, Intelligence (Covert) Solutions (Products, Software and protection systems). We have assisted several International entities with Establishment of Africa Footprints and Business Development activities. For more information, visit www.soteria.africa.

Press Contacts

Reuben Mann

rmann@skytrac.ca
1.778.818.0180