Canada selects Viasat’s STT for army’s ASCCM project

The Canadian Department of National Defence (DND) has chosen global communications company Viasat’s KOR-24A small tactical terminal (STT) for the army’s Airspace Coordination Centre Modernisation (ASCCM) project.

Under the award, Viasat in partnership with MDA, a Maxar Technologies company, will work with the Canadian Armed Forces to upgrade computer suite and data link radios.

The ASCCM project will also involve the integration of the modernised systems into military and civilian airspace control systems.

Viasat’s STT is a multi-channel, software-upgradable radio that provides direct access to Link 16 for interoperable network communications. It is designed to fulfil the requirements of users who have size, weight, and power constraints.

The interoperable functionality helps enhance communications between the US and other international defence departments or commands seeking information from several networks.

By significantly enhancing voice and data capabilities across air, land and sea, Viasat’s radio increases situational awareness for the warfighters.

Viasat government systems president Ken Peterman said: “This award once again validates the field-proven interoperability and performance capabilities of Viasat’s STT.

“Viasat and MDA remain committed to delivering today’s most comprehensive portfolio of Link 16 tactical data link solutions that meet the size, weight and power (SWaP) requirements needed to support assured communications across a variety of Canadian Armed Forces platforms.”

In September 2017, Viasat announced that its KOR-24A STT passed live radio frequency (RF) range testing for the project.

The company also revealed that the radio received approval for use across platforms and missions of the Canadian Armed Forces.