US Army certifies Viasat airborne modem for WGS network

The Army Forces Strategic Command (ARSTRAT) has certified Viasat’s mobile broadband router (MBR)-4020 airborne modem for operations on the US military’s Wideband Global Satellite Communications (WGS) network.

Authorisation of the military-grade dual-band, multi-mode software-defined airborne modem is expected to benefit intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) customers and very important person special airlift mission (VIPSAM) aircraft by reducing satellite communication (SATCOM) costs.

Viasat government systems president Ken Peterman said: “Obtaining ARSTRAT certification for the MBR-4020 modem demonstrates our ability to rapidly deliver solutions that can seamlessly integrate into a hybrid adaptive network architecture to meet rapidly evolving in-flight mission and communications needs.

“With Viasat’s MBR-4020, VIPSAM and ISR customers have a communications infrastructure that can roam among networks and orbital regimes in order to deliver advanced connectivity services for evolving operations and en-route mission planning requirements.”

Capable of offering network interoperability and operational flexibility, military users can use the device to fulfil the requirements of a high-speed, secure and resilient airborne mission.

MBR-4020 is designed to operate with the company’s Hybrid Adaptive Network SATCOM architecture concept, which facilitates commercial and government purpose-built SATCOM networks such as WGS.

The modem is available for use by all branches of the US Department of Defense.

The WGS system is a constellation of high capacity military communications satellites designed to support missions, including tactical communications between ground forces, and relaying data and imagery from airborne ISR platforms.

It serves as the backbone of the US military’s global satellite communications. Boeing Defense, Space and Security is the primary contractor.

Australia, Canada, Denmark, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and New Zealand are the international partners participating in the WGS programme.