SATAN-a tactical mobile military V-SAT system

The authors describe how DRA Defford have successfully integrated Ptarmigan, the British Army´s secure switched communications system, with elements of the UKMSCS (UK Military Satellite Communication System). The services described can be provided over vast areas in different parts of the world, such as in the Gulf Conflict. The authors describe the implementation of a satellite access node system (SATAN) for Ptarmigan using hub/spoke and direct link architectures for improved communications system operation. They also illustrate how this can be applied to out-of-area/world-wide military operations by the UK