MATRA MARCONI Space (MMS) has confirmed receipt of an order from the UK's Ministry of Defence for a sixth Skynet 4 military communications satellite (Flight International, 29 November-5 December, 1995). The launch of the Skynet 4F, which is similar to the model seen here undergoing electromagnetic compatibility tests at MMS Stevenage in the UK, will be aboard an Ariane booster. The Skynets 4D and 4E (to be launched on Delta 2 and Ariane boosters, respectively) and 4F are Stage 2 versions of the 1,500kg Skynet 4 series spacecraft, with enhanced payloads, including steerable super high-frequency spot-beam antennae, increased power and an anti-jamming capability.
Source: Flight International