Prototype ‘Manpack’ ground terminals, 1980-1989

Prototype ‘Manpack’ ground terminals developed for experimental use by Royal Signal and Radar Establishment on the UK MoD Skynet satellite communication system, manufactured by Ferranti Limited, Poynton, Cheshire, England, 1980-1989.

This 'Manpack' is transportable communications devices, often used for military purposes. It was developed for experimental use by the Royal Signal and Radar Establishment in the 1980s for military communications. It also led to the development of the PSC 405 manpacks, which were in operational use until around 2000. This pack was used with the UK's Skynet satellite communications system. During the First Gulf War it would have been used alongside the military communications system Ptarmigan, providing a flexible communications solution for rapidly changing operations.