ViaSat introduces BATS-D radio
ViaSat has introduced its new Battlefield Awareness and Targeting System - Dismounted (BATS-D) handheld Link 16 radio for US forces, it announced on 4 May.
The radio is designed to enable a dismounted operator to interact with incoming aircraft, identify their location digitally, and designate targets for air attacks.
The system was recently used during a five-day exercise at Nellis Air Force Base, where dismounted air controllers from various US military organisations conducted training with Close Air Support (CAS) aircraft.
The ViaSat BATS-D radio is set to complete development within the first half of 2016, and full production is scheduled to start by end of the year.
Ken Peterman, executive vice president and general manager, government systems division, ViaSat, said: 'The ViaSat BATS-D radio is a game-changer for dismounted warfighters.
'Now, dismounted ground forces have access to the same digital common operational picture and situational awareness that aircraft and higher echelon units have had for years. This access will help prevent potential blue-on-blue engagements and increase the lethality of dismounted forces carrying the radio. The BATS-D handheld Link-16 device is comparable to introducing a smartphone where there were only desktop computers; it holds the potential to completely transform the battlespace.'
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