On 4 September 2024 UK-based radio frequency (RF) technology specialist SPX Communication Technologies launched a new entry-level video downlink system designed for customers new to airborne surveillance or those looking to enhance their intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities without undue cost or complexity.

Called Evenlode Lite, the system is an introductory version of SPX’s operationally proven Evenlode series of equipment, which provides capability for a range of information exchange requirements for high-quality video, IP and meta data. Comprising an air data terminal and ground data terminal, Evenlode Lite provides reliable, secure, real-time transmission of up to 4K video, audio, GPS, and telemetry data from airborne platforms to static or mobile ground teams, thus offering a cost-effective solution for defence, security, border control and search-and-rescue teams.

The system is particularly tailored for integrators and end users in regions across Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, Africa and the Middle East, offering a low barrier to entry for organisations seeking to improve their ISR capabilities without the complexity and cost typically associated with such systems.

Evenlode Lite can seamlessly integrate with existing video systems to deliver live intelligence directly to ground teams. By dramatically reducing entry-level costs, meanwhile, the system makes airborne data transmission more accessible to a broader range of users. Equipped with AES256 or substitution Cipher encryption, the system protects sensitive data during transmission.

The system is fully scalable and upgradeable, meaning that, as concepts of operations (CONOPS) requirements evolve, it can be enhanced with additional features, including dual video channels, onward IP video streaming and range extensions.

Also, being International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) exempt, the system is fully exportable to most regions worldwide and can be deployed quickly with minimal regulatory constraints or complexity.

“Many defence and security teams lack the real-time intelligence to respond swiftly to incidents or mitigate risk. Evenlode Lite addresses this gap by offering an affordable and scalable solution that delivers critical intelligence, enabling faster, more informed decisions,” Jackson White, business development director for tactical datalinks at SPX Communication Technologies, was quoted as saying in a company press release. “The system lowers the overall cost of ownership, making it an attractive option for regions with limited budgets while still providing the capability to upgrade as needs evolve,” he added.

Evenlode Lite, the latest offering in the Evenlode video and data downlink family, offers an entry-level end-to-end video downlink solution for aircraft integrators requiring a video downlink for ISR aircraft upgrades or capability uplifts. (Image: SPX Communication Technologies)