Viasat, Inc., a leading provider of satellite communications solutions, has been awarded a $33.6 million contract from the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) under the Defense Experimentation Using Commercial Space Internet (DEUCSI) initiative.
This contract will support the development of Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) systems, enhancing communication resilience for tactical aircraft, including rotary wing platforms.
The DEUCSI program aims to integrate commercial satellite networks into military operations, enabling secure and adaptable communication across various frequencies, orbits, and providers.
Viasat will leverage its AESA technology and extensive expertise in radio frequency integrated circuits (RFIC) to develop a phased array antenna that delivers enhanced flexibility and reliability for evolving mission requirements.
The new AESA systems from Viasat will provide tactical aircraft with robust, low size, weight, and power (SWAP) solutions, offering superior communication capabilities across multiple networks and frequencies.
Key features include a streamlined, non-mechanical design for improved aerodynamics, multi-beam support, and resistance to jamming and interception, all critical for mission success.
These phased array antenna systems are also important for military users when missions require multiple beams, low probability of intercept (LPI) and jamming resistance capabilities.
Michael Maughan, Vice President of Space and Mission Systems, Viasat Government explained, “Viasat has extensive expertise supporting development of AESA phased array antenna technology across domains and we’re excited to bring that experience to the DEUCSI program.
“We believe hybrid resilient communication solutions are central to future government mobility operations and our teams are committed to continuing to help solve these multi-band, multi-orbit, multi-constellation interoperability challenges with high performance, cost-effective capabilities.”
Following previous awards announced in August 2023, Viasat has now received phased array antenna technology development contracts across land, maritime, space and airborne applications.
