ViaSat has installed an integrated waveform network control station (IW NCS) for the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), marking completion of Phase 1 of the ultra-high frequency (UHF) integrated waveform implementation programme.

The initial operational capability (IOC) installation features ViaSat RT-18xx based terminal hardware alongside Spirit River-supplied UHF satellite communications (SATCOM) antennas.

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"The successful IOC implementation and testing represents a significant milestone in providing the MoD with next-generation UHF Satcom networking capabilities."

The successful IOC implementation and testing represents a significant milestone in providing the MoD with next-generation UHF Satcom networking capabilities.

The IW NCS is a legacy network terminal designed to enable operators to cost-effectively develop, integrate and conduct training on UHF satellite communication equipment.

Using the terminal, the ministry will be able to efficiently utilise its UHF Satcom equipment with seamless voice and data assignments throughout 5kHz and 25kHz UHF channels.

Additional advantages of the installation include significant enhancement in voice quality and interoperability with the US military forces in the theatres worldwide.

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Available in three models, the RT-18XX is a single channel, four input/output (I/O) port UHF Satcom terminals designed to support establishment of satellite communication channels in ground components, shore stations or other environments.

Equipped with an upconverter, downconverter, modem and I/O modules, the modular terminal can be controlled by using ViaSat control indicator or network terminal control (VNTC) software.

Implementation of second phase, called final operational capability (FOC), including built-in failover redundancy, is expected to help the MoD in planning and control of two IW master channels simultaneously.

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