VStar Systems has announced the new MA-C MiniPod, which is a pod version of the company's MA-C SIGINT Sensor.

VStar designed its MA-C Sensor System to provide signal intelligence such as “signal copy, signal identification and direction finding” to a wide variety of platforms. The MA-C system is designed to function as a “modular, scalable, flexible tactical COMINT sensor,” specifically intended to address design challenges posed by Class 2 or 3 UAVs, while also optimizing operator efficiency.

Designed with flexibility in mind, the VStar Systems MA-C MiniPOD provides a “rapidly deployable communication intelligence solution.” The MA-C MiniPOD directly supports today’s warfighter needs and allows commanders to make better informed decisions, thanks to its ability to enable interception, direction-finding, and processing of tactical communication signals.

“The MiniPOD is a natural extension of our existing sensor,” says Andy von Stauffenberg, CEO of VStar Systems, via a press release through sUAS News.

“Our innovative, new design allows for quick integration into a variety of platforms within hours of delivery. This avoids costly and complex aircraft integration issues, enhancing mission effectiveness and saving the warfighter time and money.”

VStar says that two active high frequency (HF) antennas allow for “intercept and copy of land mobile radios from both direct Line of Sight (LOS) as well as Near Vertical Incidence Skywave (NVIS) signals for Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) communication methods.”

The MA-C MiniPOD can be installed on most standard airborne racks/missile launchers for integration on a plethora of different platforms. Being that it was designed for ease of use, it significantly decreases total life-cycle costs, and greatly decreases the operational and support function footprint, from initial integration through training, operations and support.

Some of the MA-C MiniPOD’s features include “signal demodulation and copy of 160 simultaneous analog and digital channels, patent-pending buffered copy operation with over 100 buffered channels and providing frequency coverage in the HF/VHF and UHF bands.”

Weighing in at only 40 pounds, the MA-C MiniPOD can be installed without any support equipment, and, it also includes VStar’s proprietary AutoTune and SmartDF Software Algorithms.