ViaSat Sets New 4 Mbps Return Link Standard for Ku-band ISR Satcom
CARLSBAD, Calif., Oct 29, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX News Network/ -- ViaSat Inc. (Nasdaq: VSAT) has completed operational testing of an airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) satcom system that is providing transmission of 4 Mbit/sec through a high-speed return link off the aircraft. The tests were conducted during live missions on a U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) C-130 aircraft operating in Afghanistan using an upgraded ViaSat ArcLight(R) satellite system.
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USSOCOM is continuing to fly daily missions using the new system. The upgrade was a simple modem replacement on the aircraft, which was already equipped with a previous generation ArcLight modem and ViaSat VR-12 11.5-inch Ku-band antenna. Using the same antenna the link achieved data rates of 4 Mbps, transmitting full motion video from the aircraft to a hub also located in Afghanistan. The new modem has operated at up to 10 Mbps at Ka-band using the Ka-band version of the VR-12 antenna, but to match video encoders already on the aircraft, live mission flights typically operate at 2.5 Mbps air to ground.
“The KuSS system with the new ArcLight modem far exceeded our expectations and sets a new standard for airborne satcom, especially for those platforms that can accommodate only very small antennas in the 12-inch class,” said Jim Herren of USSOCOM. “We are flying live missions at the maximum capability of our video equipment and delivering very high quality 720 x 480 standard definition (near HD) full motion video from the aircraft.”
“Besides the obvious advantage of the higher data rates, the ease of modifying the more than 200 aircraft already equipped with ArcLight is a major advantage,” said Larry Taylor, director of business development at ViaSat who was also present during the testing. “The new modem retains the full functionality of the ArcLight system and adds a new mode that provides much higher data rates. That compatibility also enables customers to use our worldwide Yonder(R) network, as well as roam among various government-specific ArcLight networks.”
For more information, email gov.satcom@viasat.com.
About ViaSat (www.viasat.com)
ViaSat produces innovative satellite and other digital communication products that enable fast, secure, and efficient communications to virtually any location. The company provides networking products and managed network services for enterprise IP applications; is a key supplier of network-centric military communications and encryption technologies and products to the U.S. government; is the primary technology partner for gateway and customer-premises equipment for consumer and mobile satellite broadband services; and owns WildBlue, the premier Ka-band satellite broadband service provider. ViaSat also offers design capabilities and a number of complementary products including monolithic microwave integrated circuits and modules, DVB-S2 satellite communication components, video data link systems, data acceleration and compression, and mobile satellite antenna systems. Based in Carlsbad, Calif., ViaSat includes a number of worldwide locations for customer service, network operations, and technology development.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to the safe harbors created under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements include statements that refer to the ease of modifying the aircraft. ViaSat wishes to caution you that there are some factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, including but not limited to: contractual problems, product defects, manufacturing issues or delays, regulatory issues, technologies not being developed according to anticipated schedules, or that do not perform according to expectations; and increased competition and other factors affecting the defense industry generally. In addition, please refer to the risk factors contained in ViaSat’s SEC filings available at www.sec.gov, including ViaSat’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. ViaSat undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason.
ArcLight and Yonder are registered trademarks of ViaSat Inc.
SOURCE ViaSat Inc.
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