Kymeta’s Kestrel u5 Terminal Achieves Full Rail Certification

Kymeta, a leading manufacturer of flat-panel satellite terminals, has achieved a significant milestone with the full rail certification of its Kestrel u5 terminal. This certification, granted by TÜV Rheinland, Europe’s leading notified body for the rail industry, paves the way for the Kestrel u5 to be rolled out to rail operators, system integrators, and train manufacturers across the European market.

The Kestrel u5 terminal has been rigorously tested to ensure it meets the stringent standards required for rail applications. According to the company, the terminal has proven compliance with recognized railway standards, including EN 50155, EN 45545-2, and EN 50121. This certification underscores Kymeta’s commitment to delivering carrier-grade connectivity for mission-critical transportation applications.

The Kestrel u5 terminal is designed with durability and reliability in mind. It features a high IP rating (IP69K) for protection against weather, vibration, and constant movement, ensuring consistent high performance in harsh operating environments. The terminal’s lightweight and slim-profile design make it easy to mount on the top of rail carriages, and its passive cooling system and shock absorption features contribute to its robustness.

Manny Mora, CEO of Kymeta, expressed the significance of this certification: "Achieving full rail certification is a significant milestone for Kymeta and an important validation of the investment we've made in manufacturing this terminal. For too long, rail connectivity has been constrained by inconsistent coverage, limiting both the passenger experience and critical operational capabilities. With the TÜV certification, the terminal can now perform exactly as intended, delivering a new kind of secure, always-on connectivity to the rail industry."

The Kestrel u5 terminal offers full-duplex connectivity, allowing for simultaneous transmission and reception of data at high broadband speeds. It supports both LEO and GEO satellite networks, providing trains with a more resilient and robust connectivity solution. The terminal’s ability to switch between different satellite orbits ensures seamless coverage and service consistency along the route.

Kymeta’s CEO highlighted the terminal’s capabilities: "The SATCOM capability of the Kestrel u5 provides a failover between satellite and existing cellular networks, allowing people to interact socially, stream entertainment, work, and conduct business as they would in a stationary environment. This is a crucial step in enhancing the passenger experience and critical operational capabilities on rail networks."

With the TÜV rail certification, Kymeta is set to conduct several additional connectivity trials with some of Europe’s largest rail operators over the next 60 days. These trials will include high-speed assessments up to 360 km/h, demonstrating the Kestrel u5’s high-performance and reliable connectivity. The tests are designed to show how passengers can enjoy online experiences at the speed and accuracy they would expect from home or the office.

Kymeta’s versatile mobile connectivity platform, on which the Kestrel u5 is based, can be configured for government, defense, and commercial mobility applications, including land-mobile, maritime, and unmanned, autonomous platforms. The company’s commitment to delivering reliable, efficient, and intelligent connectivity solutions for an increasingly mobile and connected world is evident in the Kestrel u5’s design and capabilities.

In summary, Kymeta’s Kestrel u5 terminal has achieved full rail certification, marking a significant step forward in the company’s efforts to enhance connectivity for the rail industry. The terminal’s advanced features and robust design make it well-suited for the demanding environments of rail applications, ensuring consistent high performance and reliable connectivity.