USAF contracts ViaLite Communications for SATCOM solution
ViaLite RF over fibre links are used in the satellite industry to transport satellite signals between antennas and control rooms. (Photo: ViaLite)
The Air Force Research Lab approached ViaLite to develop a new SATCOM solution.
The USAF Research Lab (AFRL) has contracted RF over fibre manufacturers, ViaLite Communications, to deliver a solution for satellite communications downlinks, transferring L-Band signals through the ground station complex.
The process converts the RF electrical signal to laser light which then travels down the fibre to the receiver where it is converted back to an RF signal.
ViaLite’s L-Band HTS links, in the standalone Blue OEM module format, were selected by AFRL for integration into their system.
The L-Band HTS links were appropriate as they are compact, single link and available in RF bands up to six gigahertz.
They can be operated either as transmitters or receivers and are easily mounted into existing equipment.
The links are available in multiple formats including the OEM module format.
One format is rack chassis cards, for use in ViaLite 3U and 1U rack chassis units.
Another is Yellow OEM modules, designed for system integrators and manufacturers to build into their own designs.
Finally, the ViaLite Blue2 module houses two links and can be set up to be a dual transmitter, dual receiver or transceiver.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Modular and attritable equipment must be a priority: US military]()
Modular and attritable equipment must be a priority: US military
Senior officers and representatives from the US Army, US Air Force and US Navy emphasised the need to expedite acquisition projects for systems and platforms that are more modular. They also highlighted that the loss of equipment is acceptable.
-
![Amazon Project Kuiper offers network-centric approach to sovereignty of space systems (Studio)]()
Amazon Project Kuiper offers network-centric approach to sovereignty of space systems (Studio)
Shephard's Alix Valenti interviewed Project Kuiper's Don Brown at DSEI 2025, discussing the company's innovative approach to sovereignty of space communications systems, which focuses on being able to control the network rather than ownership of satellite constellations.
-
![Amazon Project Kuiper emphasises user-friendly solutions for multi-domain connectivity (Studio)]()
Amazon Project Kuiper emphasises user-friendly solutions for multi-domain connectivity (Studio)
At DSEI 2025, Shephard's Alix Valenti spoke to Project Kuiper's Rich Pang about the importance of enabling seamless communication between allied forces such as NATO members in challenging operational environments.
-
![Amazon Project Kuiper teams up with GRC to offer governments unprecedented capabilities (Studio)]()
Amazon Project Kuiper teams up with GRC to offer governments unprecedented capabilities (Studio)
At DSEI 2025, Amazon Project Kuiper's Don Brown and GRC's Steve Slater talked to Shephard's Alix Valenti about how their partnership can offer unique capabilities in defence SATCOM to government customers, with a focus on assurance, security and choice.
-
![DSEI 2025: Raytheon UK CEO highlights RTX skills, innovation and UK footprint]()
DSEI 2025: Raytheon UK CEO highlights RTX skills, innovation and UK footprint
At DSEI 2025, James Gray, Managing Director and CEO of Raytheon UK (part of RTX), outlines the company’s century-long presence in the UK and its evolving role across defence, aerospace, cyber, and training domains.
-
![Israel defence ministry pushes ambitious spending plans for tanks, drones and KC-46 aircraft]()
Israel defence ministry pushes ambitious spending plans for tanks, drones and KC-46 aircraft
The procurement and acceleration production plans – some of which still await approval – across the air and land domains will aim to strengthen the operational needs of the Israel Defense Forces.
