ViaSat STT selected for RAN DA20 Falcon aircraft
ViaSat will supply its Small Tactical Terminal (STT) KOR-24 for installation on the DA20 Falcon series of aircraft used by the Royal Navy under a contract awarded by BAE Systems. The STT will support Link 16 network pre-deployment pilot training.
The STT, co-developed by ViaSat and Harris Corporation, is the first certified VHF/UHF and Link 16 two-channel radio authorised for transmission in the UK airspace on any platform that has the same clearance approval. The system passed the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) safety case certification in December 2012.
Cobham manages the programme for the Royal Navy Joint Support Air Tasking Organization for fleet data link training and compatibility management of naval assets prior to operational deployment. This programme provides a wide area system with high data throughput and multi-level security that binds together and reinforces tactical communications. It is an important component of network-enabled capability, a key element in the Joint Support Air Tasking data link training development.
According to ViaSat, integration of the dual-channel STT into the Falcon will be an important part of UK enduring tactical data link training.
The STT/KOR-24 is a two-channel, Link 16 and VHF/UHF radio terminal, providing simultaneous communication of voice and/or data. The terminal reduces the size, weight, and power of tactical data link equipment and includes a range of software-defined VHF/UHF military radio and Link 16 functions. The VHF/UHF channels provide the soldier with the capability of inserting time-critical data on the Link 16 network using software programmable waveforms such as HaveQuick and SINCGARS.
With a weight of 16lbs the system is finding application in helicopters, light aircraft, small boats, UAVs, and ground forces including vehicles and a wide variety of ‘shelterised’ communication nodes.
More from Digital Battlespace
-
Airbus launches final CSO observation satellite for French Armed Forces
Airbus was awarded the Composante Spatiale Optique (CSO) contract at the end of 2010. This included an option for a third satellite, which was activated after Germany joined the programme in 2015.
-
Intelligence advantage: How real-time GEOINT is reshaping military decision-making (Studio)
In today’s contested operational environment, adaptability is key. The new Geospatial-Intelligence as a Service (GEO IaaS) solution from Fujitsu and MAIAR empowers militaries by enabling intelligence advantage, combining advanced technology with human expertise to deliver actionable insights.
-
Israel sets up new department to boost development of AI and autonomy
Israel will continue to develop autonomy for its weapons and platforms as it brings together defence personnel, academia and industry.
-
Clavister contracted to supply cyber protection for CV90s
Clavister CyberArmour, an integrated defence cybersecurity system, will be used on BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90 platform in deployments with a Scandinavian country, as well as in an eastern European nation.
-
Lockheed Martin completes tactical satellite demonstration and prepares for launch
The tactical satellite (TacSat) is an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) system and will participate in exercises in 2025.
-
AUSA 2024: General Micro Systems adds four new products to the X9 Spider family
The airborne three-domain, the two ground-based and the ¼ ATR OpenVPX-based cross-domain systems were engineered to provide real-time security across multi-domain operations.