Apache Guardians get ViaSat STTs
ViaSat will produce approximately 90 Link 16 Small Tactical Terminals (STT) for the Lots 5 and 6 of the AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopter production line. The company announced a contract from Boeing for the work on 28 January.
The AH-64 Apache is used by the US Army. Specifically, this STT full-rate production contract will cover Apache helicopters for the next two years. In addition, the STT has been selected by the US government as the long-term radio solution for Link 16 and Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW) capability for AH-64E Apache helicopters.
The STT enables AH-64E Apache helicopters to maintain constant presence on the Link 16 network while simultaneously switching waveforms and network connections on the second channel on the fly; merge disparate networks; and deliver situational awareness as the mission unfolds. The terminal is packaged in a ruggedised, compact form factor.
Ken Peterman, senior vice president and general manager, government systems division, ViaSat, said: ‘The AH-64E Apache award is a significant milestone for ViaSat in that it enables us to deliver critical communications capabilities for army aviation while providing a logistically common solution for Link 16 needs across multiple applications.
‘Our strategy in the defence market has been to recognise critical warfighter needs and apply our commercial model to develop inventive solutions with availability years ahead of, and at a fraction of the total cost of traditional DoD programs of record. We see this AH-64E Apache award as validation for our strategy and a key first step in laying the groundwork for future terminals that will provide key operational data to warfighters but in form factors previously considered unimaginable.’
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