Cobham Sailor 60 GX Marine Satellite Wi-Fi Hotspot For Inmarsat Global Xpress Network

SAILOR 60 GXis a Ka-band VSAT antenna system for maritime satellite internet connectivity on the Inmarsat Global Xpress network. The product is often colloquially referred to as a maritime satellite WiFi system, but technically,SAILOR 60 GXis a VSAT satellite antenna system for maritime use, enabling vessels to access broadband via satellite; the internet signal can then be distributed throughout the vessel using an internal network system or appropriate WiFi equipment. According to Cobham product documentation,SAILOR 60 GXis designed for the Inmarsat Fleet Xpress maritime broadband service and is a small, lightweight antenna for the Inmarsat Global Xpress platform.

A key feature of the SAILOR 60 GXlies in its compact design, light weight, and ability to operate in marine environments. Cobham documentation describes the product as an antenna for maritime broadband on Inmarsat Global Xpress, using a composite/aluminum design to reduce weight, while building on the SAILOR VSAT technology platform to optimize deployment and operational uptime.

With 3-axis stabilized tracking capabilities, good dynamic performance on roll, pitch, and yaw axes,SAILOR 60 GXis suitable for merchant ships, yachts, service vessels, workboats, small transport vessels, or any maritime vehicle requiring a more stable data connection when operating offshore. Cobham/Mackay also describesSAILOR 60 GXis a Ka-band VSAT system for Fleet Xpress on the Inmarsat Global Xpress network, featuring a lightweight, compact, and durable design for marine conditions.

Who is the product suitable for or compatible with?

SAILOR 60 GXsuitable for shipowners, shipping companies, offshore service vessel fleets, yachts, long-distance fishing vessels, research vessels, workboats, and entities requiring satellite internet connectivity at sea. The product is particularly suitable for vessels with limited installation space that still want to use a VSAT solution instead of larger and heavier antenna systems. According to Cobham documentation, the lightweight and compact design ofSAILOR 60 GXmakes VSAT connectivity more accessible for smaller vessels, whereas previously installing large antennas could be limited by space, cost, and deployment complexity.

Regarding the network system,SAILOR 60 GXis designed for Inmarsat Global Xpress and Fleet Xpress services. Mackay Communications describes the product as a Ka-band VSAT satellite antenna designed for use with the Fleet Xpress service on the Inmarsat Global Xpress maritime broadband network. Therefore, when advising on the product, it should be clearly stated that the device needs to be deployed with a satellite service package, an under-deck system, and appropriate network configuration, and should not be mistaken for a standalone WiFi hotspot like a regular 4G/5G router.

For users needing internet on board,SAILOR 60 GXcan be a suitable choice when serving needs such as operational communication, data transmission, fleet management, software updates, system monitoring, email, access to business applications, and connectivity for the crew. Within the Fleet Xpress ecosystem, Cobham documentation states that the combination of high-throughput Ka-band/GX and redundant L-band FleetBroadband enhances vessel and fleet operations through maritime IT applications.

Product Applications

In practice,SAILOR 60 GXcan be used on vessels that need to maintain satellite internet connectivity while operating offshore, where mobile networks are almost non-existent. For transport vessels, the system can support the transmission of operational data, schedule updates, email exchange, voyage reports, and communication with shore-based dispatch centers.

For service vessels, survey vessels, or offshore workboats,SAILOR 60 GXsupports connectivity for equipment management applications, technical data exchange, and group communication. Cobham emphasizesSAILOR 60 GXis built to withstand harsh maritime conditions while providing high-bandwidth connectivity on the Fleet Xpress service.

For yachts or vessels serving passengers,SAILOR 60 GXcan be used as a satellite connectivity platform to share internet through the onboard local network system. This is why the product is often referred to as a maritime satellite WiFi hotspot in sales materials. However, to be precise, it should be described asSAILOR 60 GXis a maritime VSAT antenna system; its WiFi broadcasting function depends on the accompanying internal network equipment, router, and installation configuration.

For small fleets or vessels with limited space,SAILOR 60 GXhas the advantage of a 60 cm class antenna size. Alphatron Marine describes the SAILOR 60GX as a small, lightweight, and advanced antenna for the Inmarsat Fleet Xpress High Throughput Satellite service, with good tracking performance in roll, pitch, and yaw. This makes the product suitable for smaller vessels, which are more susceptible to sea waves and hull movements.

Outstanding Product Advantages

The first advantage ofSAILOR 60 GXis its design specifically for Inmarsat Global Xpress. The product operates on the Ka-band of the Inmarsat GX system, with a receive frequency of 19.2 to 20.2 GHz and a transmit frequency of 29.0 to 30.0 GHz, according to Cobham's specifications. This is an important point when identifying the correct product for the Inmarsat Global Xpress network.

The second advantage is its small and lightweight design. Cobham documentation notes thatSAILOR 60 GXhas an overall height of 91 cm, a diameter of 82 cm, and a weight of 37 kg. This size makes the product more suitable for vessels that do not have much installation space or do not want to use larger VSAT antenna systems.

The third advantage is its ability to operate in sea conditions. According to Cobham,SAILOR 60 GXdesigned to withstand harsh sea conditions and maintain high-bandwidth connectivity on Fleet Xpress. The product is also described as having good dynamic performance on roll, pitch, and yaw axes, helping to maintain the link in rough seas.

The fourth advantage is the 3-axis stabilization system. In its specifications, the ADU ofSAILOR 60 GXis a 3-axis stabilised tracking antenna, with integrated GNSS and the ability to track satellites via its sensor system, conical scan, and Gyro/GPS Compass input. This is an important factor for marine antennas as vessels are constantly subjected to the motion of waves, wind, and course changes.

The fifth advantage is its relatively more compact deployment within the maritime VSAT category. Cobham statesSAILOR 60 GXis delivered ready for installation, including the GX Modem Unit and Antenna Control Unit; the system uses a single cable between the antenna and below-deck equipment for RF, power, and data, and features Automatic Azimuth Calibration and Automatic Cable Calibration to assist with the commissioning process.

Why Choose This Product?

You should chooseSAILOR 60 GXif your vessel requires a compact maritime VSAT system, specifically for Inmarsat Global Xpress, and suits your need for broadband connectivity at sea. The product combines a Ka-band antenna, 3-axis stabilization design, light weight, and the ability to operate in sea conditions, meeting the data communication needs of vessels operating far from shore.

Compared to relying solely on coastal mobile networks,SAILOR 60 GXis more suitable for vessels traveling far, operating offshore, or on long voyages. When a vessel leaves the mobile coverage area, satellite internet becomes a critical solution to maintain communication between the vessel and land. With Fleet Xpress, Cobham describes this system as combining high-throughput GX Ka-band with reliable L-band FleetBroadband to serve vessel operations and fleets.

Another reason to chooseSAILOR 60 GXis its suitability for smaller vessels. Mackay Communications states that the product's lightweight and compact design makes VSAT more accessible for smaller vessels, whereas previously this type of connectivity was often limited by space and the cost of installing large antennas. This is an important advantage for service vessels, workboats, offshore fishing vessels, or yachts that require satellite connectivity but do not want to install an overly bulky system.

However, when choosingSAILOR 60 GX, users should confirm availability, warranty, and replacement options with their vendor. Mackay Communications currently notes that the Cobham SAILOR 60 GX product has reached end-of-life status but remains supported. Therefore, if purchasing new or deploying for a long-term project, customers should clarify stock status, equipment condition, technical support availability, Inmarsat Fleet Xpress data plans, and accompanying network equipment.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Is SAILOR 60 GX an independent WiFi hotspot?

Not entirely.SAILOR 60 GXis a maritime VSAT antenna system for satellite internet on Inmarsat Global Xpress. The device helps bring satellite connectivity to the vessel; broadcasting WiFi for users on board requires a suitable internal network system or WiFi router.

What satellite network does SAILOR 60 GX use?

SAILOR 60 GXis designed for the Inmarsat Global Xpress network and maritime Fleet Xpress service. Mackay Communications describes the product as a Ka-band VSAT for Fleet Xpress on the Inmarsat Global Xpress network.

What type of vessels is SAILOR 60 GX suitable for?

SAILOR 60 GXsuitable for ships, yachts, service vessels, workboats, small transport vessels, survey vessels or maritime vehicles that require satellite internet connectivity. The compact and lightweight design makes the product more suitable for vessels with limited installation space.

Does SAILOR 60 GX perform well in rough sea conditions?

According to Cobham,SAILOR 60 GXis designed to withstand harsh maritime conditions, with good dynamic performance on roll, pitch and yaw axes, helping to maintain the link even when the vessel is affected by sea waves.