Direct Development of 'Flat Panel Antenna' with Core Technology
Maritime Antenna Contracted by US Navy... Supply Within This Year
Satellite communication antenna and solution company Intellian Technologies is set to begin full-scale mass production of flat panel antennas. Unlike traditional dish-shaped antennas, flat panel antennas have a slim form factor and are gaining attention as next-generation communication antennas. It is said that the commercialization of flat panel antennas is the second in the world, following Elon Musk's SpaceX.
On the 27th, Seong Sang-yeop, CEO of Intellian Tech, stated, "Full-scale mass production of flat panel antennas will begin next week," adding, "We have researched for three and a half years and created all processes ourselves, achieving a yield rate of 99%." Flat panel antennas, designed for next-generation communications, are less affected by the surrounding environment and are lightweight. They can withstand temperatures from minus 45 degrees to plus 55 degrees Celsius and feature water-repellent coating and anti-icing functions, repelling rain and snow. They can be attached to vehicles such as cars for use.
The Intellian Technologies factory in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, visited on this day, is equipped with a production line capable of manufacturing about 100 flat panel antennas per day. Starting in June, these will be supplied to the UK satellite communication company OneWeb. What Intellian Tech has completed development on and is preparing for full-scale mass production is the 'flat panel antenna for low Earth orbit satellites.' This is to keep pace with the global trend of the growing market size for low Earth orbit satellite communications. CEO Seong explained, "In the past three years, sales of products used in low Earth orbit communication solutions have increased significantly," adding, "Until now, maritime products accounted for most of the sales, but we have confirmed that the global trend is changing."
Sung Sang-yeop, CEO of Intellian Technologies, is introducing a maritime antenna to be supplied to the U.S. Navy at the company's headquarters factory in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province. [Photo by Yeom Da-yeon]
The reason Intellian Tech was able to quickly mass-produce new products such as flat panel antennas is thanks to investments in research and new product development. This year, about 50 billion KRW was invested in technology development. Intellian Tech's R&D personnel account for 35% of the total 650 employees. The company also operates five overseas technology research centers in countries including the United States and the United Kingdom, investing 15% of its sales revenue in research and development (R&D).
Intellian Tech operates four global logistics hubs and seven technical support centers worldwide, ensuring that technical support and after-sales service are well provided regardless of where purchases are made. Even if product issues arise, they can be resolved directly. Based on solid service, 95% of Intellian Tech's total sales come from exports. The maritime satellite communication antenna 'VSAT' holds the number one market share worldwide.
Intellian Tech has also secured direct contracts with the U.S. Navy for the development and supply of maritime antennas. CEO Seong said, "Because the antennas must be specially manufactured to meet the specifications of secure communication satellites, the process was very demanding and complex," adding, "Certification by the U.S. Navy took a year, and final approval was received last week." This maritime antenna is scheduled for full-scale supply starting this year. Intellian Tech plans to expand its business in line with the communication and equipment demands of global militaries, including the U.S. military.
Sung Sang-yeop, CEO of Intellian Technologies, is introducing a flat-panel antenna attached to a car in front of the headquarters factory located in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province. [Photo by Yeom Da-yeon]
Intellian Tech continues to grow steadily, producing over 70 products including maritime products and antennas for geostationary, medium Earth orbit, and low Earth orbit satellites. CEO Seong emphasized, "If we compare it to mobile phones, we can supply from 2G to 5G," adding, "Our strength lies in having various solutions and technologies that allow us to manufacture customized products tailored to customers' needs." Last year's sales reached 305 billion KRW.
CEO Seong Sang-yeop said, "In the future, maritime vessels will undergo changes similar to electric vehicles, so we plan to expand our business into maritime AI and more," adding, "Intellian Tech has continuously researched and created products that never existed before, and we will continue to strive to be a global leader in this industry."
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