Lite Coms
Lite Coms is a U.S.-based, vertically integrated manufacturer of tactical satellite communications terminals — fly-away parabolic, flat-panel ESA, and ruggedized modem assemblies — sold exclusively to the U.S. military, federal agencies, and coalition partners under multi-year defense contracts.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2018
- HeadquartersVictor, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Lite Coms does
Lite Coms LLC, founded in 2018 and headquartered in Victor, New York, designs and manufactures fully integrated tactical satellite communications (SATCOM) terminals and systems for the U.S. military, government agencies, and coalition partners. The company operates as a vertically integrated U.S. manufacturer with engineering and production co-located at its Victor facility, employing 11–50 people. Its products are sold exclusively through direct government sales channels under quote-based defense procurement contracts.
The product portfolio spans three categories: (1) fly-away auto-acquire parabolic terminals (LITE SAT 1.2-V, 1.3A, 2.2/2.2A) using carbon fiber reflectors for rapid expeditionary deployment; (2) flat-panel Electronically Steerable Array (ESA) terminals (Hurricane, Hurricane Mini, Cart, Cart Mini, Caddie, Putter) supporting communications-on-the-move for vehicles and dismounted personnel; and (3) Tactical Modem Assemblies (TMAs) integrating modems from iDirect, Viasat, Gilat, Comtech, and others into ruggedized outdoor platforms with fanless thermal design. The portfolio is unified by the Lite Link GUI web-based control software and supports multi-orbit operations across GEO (WGS, Viasat GX, Intelsat Flex), MEO (SES mPOWER/O3b), and LEO (Starlink/Starshield, OneWeb) constellations, with integrated LTE/5G failover. Differentiated certifications include WGS, MIL-STD-810H, MIL-STD-461, NSA, ITAR, and a patent-pending magnetic assembly method.
The business model is hardware-led defense sales with a thin layer of software and professional services. Revenue is generated through long-cycle program wins such as the U.S. Army Phoenix program (described as the largest VSAT program in DoD history, where Lite Coms holds full-rate production), recurring warranty and support contracts, and field service engineering. The founding team, with 100+ years of combined SATCOM experience, has fielded over 10,000 VSAT terminals globally, and key program customers include the U.S. Space Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, National Guard Bureau, WHCA, and JSOC.
Lite Coms firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Lite Coms
- Legal name
- Lite Coms LLC
- Website
- https://litecoms.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2018
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Lite Coms is a U.S.-based, vertically integrated manufacturer of tactical satellite communications terminals — fly-away parabolic, flat-panel ESA, and ruggedized modem assemblies — sold exclusively to the U.S. military, federal agencies, and coalition partners under multi-year defense contracts.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Lite Coms industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Tactical Satellite Communications Systems
- NAICS
- Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Satellite Telecommunications (5174)
- SIC
- Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Computer Communications Equipment (3576)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Satellite Broadband Terminals & Gateways (VSAT/LEO CPE) (HDAFAIAM)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Defense Communications (Secure Radios, SATCOM Terminals, Crypto) (IMABAGAG)
Keywords
Where Lite Coms is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Victor
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Lite Coms business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Hardware Sales - Terminals: Sale of tactical SATCOM terminals including fly-away parabolic systems (LITE SAT 1.2-V, 1.3A, 2.2), ESA flat-panel systems (Hurricane, Hurricane Mini, Cart, Cart Mini, Caddie), and antenna reference units (ARU-D). Revenue is typically project/contract-based with long procurement cycles typical of defense acquisitions.
- Tactical Modem Assemblies (TMAs): Integrated modem platforms sold as standalone units or bundled with terminals. Supports multiple modem variants (iDirect 950MP, Viasat CBM-400, Gilat Aquarius, Comtech DCG-7000, MPM-2500).
- Software - Lite Link GUI: Web-based SATCOM management software included with terminals and TMAs. Warranty support and extended warranty options available for purchase.
- Professional Services: Field service engineering, training, deployment support, and technical support services. Roles include Field Service Engineers providing global support for terminal deployment and sustainment.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels6 records
Lite Coms product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Lite Coms designs and manufactures fully integrated tactical satellite communication (SATCOM) systems for military and government customers. The portfolio spans carbon-fiber auto-acquire fly-away parabolic terminals (LITE SAT 1.2-V, 1.3A, 2.2), ruggedized electronically steerable array (ESA) flat-panel terminals (Hurricane, Hurricane Mini, Cart, Cart Mini, Putter, Caddie), and Tactical Modem Assemblies (TMAs) that integrate commercial modems into MIL-spec outdoor platforms, all unified by the Lite Link GUI control software.
Product overview
Lite Coms designs and manufactures tactical satellite communication (SATCOM) systems for military and government applications. The product portfolio consists of three main categories: (1) Parabolic Fly-Away Auto-Acquire Terminals (LITE SAT 1.2-V, 1.3A, 2.2/2.2A) featuring carbon fiber reflectors with automated satellite acquisition for rapid deployment; (2) Flat Panel Electronically Steerable Array (ESA) Terminals (Hurricane, Hurricane Mini, Cart, Cart Mini, Caddie, Putter) providing mobile and on-the-move connectivity for vehicles and dismounted personnel; and (3) Tactical Modem Assemblies (TMAs) integrating modems (TMA 950, CBM-400, MPM-2500, Gilat Aquarius Pro, DCG-7000) into ruggedized outdoor platforms. All systems are controlled via the Lite Link GUI software platform which provides unified 'one-button' operation. The company also offers the ARU-D (Phoenix ARU) antenna reference unit for multi-antenna configurations. Products support multi-orbit operations across GEO, MEO, and LEO constellations including Starlink/Starshield, Viasat GX, OneWeb, WGS, SES mPOWER, and O3b mPOWER, with integrated LTE/5G failover capability. All products are proudly designed and manufactured in the United States for the U.S. military and coalition partners.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- LITE SAT 1.2-V Compact 1.2-meter auto-acquire VSAT terminal engineered for rapid deployment and maximum mobility in highly dynamic environments; supports X, Ku, and Ka-band multi-band operation with tool-free setup and automated satellite acquisition. Designed for military and government users.
- LITE SAT 1.3A (AN/TSC-248) Lightweight 1.3-meter auto-acquire VSAT terminal (AN/TSC-248) engineered for rapid deployment in expeditionary and military operations; WGS-certified, airline-checkable system supporting X, Ku, and Ka-band with multi-orbit GEO/MEO capabilities; delivers up to 300Mbps with High-Capacity Kit; compatible with SES mPOWER.
- LITE SAT 2.2 / 2.2A High-performance 2.2-meter auto-acquire VSAT terminal engineered for mission-critical communications at tactical and operational level; delivers greater throughput and network resilience than smaller aperture systems; supports X, Ku, Ka, and C-band with multi-orbit GEO/MEO/HEO capabilities; WGS and mPOWER certified.
- Hurricane Ruggedized LEO flat panel terminal (IP67-rated) engineered for reliable, high-speed connectivity in demanding operational environments; machined aluminum chassis with sealed enclosure; supports Starlink/Starshield constellations; communications-on-the-move (COTM) capable.
- Hurricane Mini Compact, low-profile LEO flat panel terminal engineered for seamless integration on vehicles and mobile platforms; supports COTM and COTP; IP67-rated sealed ruggedized enclosure; integrated 5G LTE module with SIM/eSIM for automatic cellular failover.
- Cart Tactical flat-panel vehicular Electronically Steerable Array (ESA) designed for communications-on-the-move; delivers high-throughput, low-latency connectivity across LEO and GEO satellite networks including Starlink/Starshield, OneWeb, and Ku GEO; optional dual-modem configuration for seamless failover; compatible with MRZR, ISV, UTV, and SUV platforms.
- Cart Mini Compact, ultra-mobile SATCOM system with low-SWaP design engineered for vehicle-based deployment; supports LEO and GEO satellite networks with multi-orbit flexibility; integrated LTE/5G for automatic failover; operates on 23-33 VDC; MIL-STD-810H compliant.
- LITE SAT Putter
Quantifiable outcome
- 10,000+ terminals delivered across 4 continents
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Lite Coms
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles1 record
Lite Coms technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration18 records
Feature11 records
Lite Coms partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and strategic.
- Comtech Telecommunications Corp.coreComtech delivered its DCG-7000 modems to Lite Coms for industry testing and interoperability validation. Lite Coms became the first company to successfully test a DCG-7000 modem from Comtech's production line. The DCG-7000 is a high-speed, software-defined modem supporting multi-orbit and sovereign MEO operations with up to 300Mbps forward/100Mbps return throughput.
- Comtech (DCG-7000 Testing)coreLite Coms was the first company to successfully test Comtech's DCG-7000 modem from production line, validating interoperability and performance across diverse ground terminal configurations.
- ViasatcoreViasat granted official Type Approval (Certificate GXL130LCO-01) for the LITE SAT 1.3A terminal on the Global Xpress (GX) network, validating performance and multi-orbit capabilities. The terminal supports high-speed data rates up to 300Mbps on Viasat's High-Capacity Ka-band network.
- Retired Lieutenant General Joseph AndersonstrategicRetired Lt Gen Joseph Anderson appointed to Lite Coms Board of Directors. Anderson has extensive military leadership experience including overseeing operations across 140 countries and managing large budgets. Appointment strengthens leadership in defense and government sectors.
- SES mPOWERcoreLite Sat 1.3 and 2.2 terminals received mPOWER certification in 2024, enabling operation on SES's O3b mPOWER MEO constellation for multi-orbit capability.
- WGS (Wideband Global SATCOM)coreLite Coms developed the first Quad Band Multi Segmented WGS Certified LOW PIM Multicarrier X-band terminal (Lite Sat 2.2) under 112 lbs per case. Lite Sat 1.3A achieved WGS certification for AN/TSC-248(V) and AN/TSC-279(V) nomenclatures for X and Ka bands.
- SpaceX (Starlink/Starshield)coreCart and Caddie terminals are optimized for SpaceX Starlink and Starshield LEO constellations, delivering ultra-low latency and high-speed data for dismounted and vehicular operations.
- OneWebcoreCart supports OneWeb LEO constellation for multi-orbit connectivity enabling flexible, resilient communications.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Lite Coms competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Kymeta: Kymeta designs and manufactures electronically steered flat-panel SATCOM antennas for defense, government, and commercial mobility markets. It is the closest direct competitor to Lite Coms's Hurricane and Cart ESA flat-panel terminal lines, competing in the same tactical COTM/COTP and government procurement channels.
- Comtech Telecommunications Corp. Comtech supplies tactical modems (DCG-7000, SLM-5650B), satellite ground systems, and defense SATCOM solutions to the U.S. DoD. It is both a partner of Lite Coms (DCG-7000 testing) and a direct competitor in the tactical modem and integrated SATCOM system space.
- GetSat: GetSat develops compact, rugged SATCOM terminals — including ESA flat-panel and micro-terminal antennas — for defense, homeland security, and commercial markets. It competes directly with Lite Coms's Hurricane, Cart, and dismounted (Caddie-class) offerings for tactical government customers.
- ThinKom Solutions: ThinKom manufactures low-profile, high-efficiency SATCOM antennas (ThinAir and ThinSat product families) for in-flight, on-the-move, and tactical military applications. It is a direct competitor in the tactical, multi-orbit, military Ka/Ku-band terminal market served by Lite Coms.
- Viasat Government: Viasat's government segment provides tactical SATCOM terminals, gateways, and global managed services (including Global Xpress) to U.S. DoD and allies. It is simultaneously a partner (GX Type Approval granted to LITE SAT 1.3A) and a competitor in delivering integrated terminal/network solutions to defense customers.
- ST Engineering iDirect (iDirect Government): iDirect designs and supplies tactical satellite modems (950MP, 9-Series) and hub infrastructure widely integrated into DoD SATCOM terminals. Its 950MP is integrated into Lite Coms's TMA 950, making iDirect both a key supplier and a competitor in the tactical SATCOM modem and hub segment.
Broad incumbents
- Honeywell Aerospace: Honeywell Aerospace provides avionics and satellite communications hardware (including JetWave and legacy SATCOM terminals) for military and commercial aerospace customers. It is a broad incumbent overlapping with Lite Coms in defense and government connectivity.
- RTX (Raytheon): Raytheon (RTX) is one of the largest U.S. defense primes, with significant communications, networking, and space-based systems serving DoD. Its breadth and prime-contractor positioning make it a broad incumbent competitor for major tactical SATCOM program awards.
- L3Harris Technologies: L3Harris is a major defense prime with a broad portfolio that includes tactical SATCOM, electronic warfare, and communications systems serving the same U.S. DoD customers as Lite Coms. It is a broad incumbent that competes across multiple Lite Coms program opportunities.
- Hughes Network Systems: Hughes is an established, large-scale provider of satellite broadband ground systems, terminals, and managed services for defense (Hughes Defense) and enterprise. It is a broad incumbent competing with Lite Coms for military VSAT and managed SATCOM awards across DoD programs.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Lite Coms social profiles
Digital presenceLite Coms compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance13 records
Lite Coms financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Lite Coms leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Lite Coms funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Lite Coms M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Lite Coms
What does Lite Coms do?
Lite Coms designs and manufactures fully integrated tactical satellite communication (SATCOM) systems for military and government customers. The portfolio spans carbon-fiber auto-acquire fly-away parabolic terminals (LITE SAT 1.2-V, 1.3A, 2.2), ruggedized electronically steerable array (ESA) flat-panel terminals (Hurricane, Hurricane Mini, Cart, Cart Mini, Putter, Caddie), and Tactical Modem Assemblies (TMAs) that integrate commercial modems into MIL-spec outdoor platforms, all unified by the Lite Link GUI control software.
Is Lite Coms a public or private company?
Lite Coms is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Lite Coms founded?
Lite Coms was founded in 2018. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Lite Coms based?
Lite Coms is headquartered in Victor, United States, in the North America region.
How does Lite Coms make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Hardware Sales - Terminals are the primary driver. The others are tactical Modem Assemblies (TMAs), software - Lite Link GUI and professional Services.
Who are Lite Coms's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Kymeta, Comtech Telecommunications Corp., GetSat, ThinKom Solutions, Viasat Government and ST Engineering iDirect (iDirect Government). Broad incumbents are Honeywell Aerospace, RTX (Raytheon), L3Harris Technologies and Hughes Network Systems.
Does Lite Coms have an API?
No public API is recorded for Lite Coms.
What industry is Lite Coms in?
Lite Coms's product category is Tactical Satellite Communications Systems. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAFAIAM, Satellite Broadband Terminals & Gateways (VSAT/LEO CPE), with a secondary code of IMABAGAG, Defense Communications (Secure Radios, SATCOM Terminals, Crypto). Its NAICS code is 334511 and its SIC code is 3812.