Viasat launches Black ICE software defined radio platform for secure data transmission
Black ICE SDR family is designed to support UAS operations. (Photo: Inmarsat)
Viasat has unveiled its Black ICE Software Defined Radio (SDR) family, which is designed to enable secure data transmission with flexible waveform integration and meet high-demand requirements for mission-critical operations.
The Black ICE SDR is described by the company as ‘modem solutions [that] enable the integration of commercial off-the-shelf and custom waveforms, allowing secure data transmission for mission-critical operations.’
The company said the system is designed to support BLoS operations with a particular focus on use with uncrewed systems and expanded capabilities via the ELERA L-band and Global Xpress Ka-band networks.
‘The solutions support Xilinx and Intel Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) architectures in both L-band and Ka-band, as well as OpenAMIP for antenna management,’ the company said in a statement on 2 August.
Related Articles
Inmarsat rolls out new terminal to support US airborne reconnaissance missions
‘Additionally, it enables a reduction in SWaP for L-band LAISR [Lightweight Airborne ISR System] user terminals, further supporting customers’ BLoS communications requirements for open architecture, security, low form factor terminals and high performance.’
For Ka-band customers, Black ICE can be integrated into standard Global Xpress Ka-band terminals via G-MODMAN II and Open Platform modem manager technology to enable the addition of a special waveform service.
Through the special waveform service, US government Global Xpress customers will be able to access alternative waveforms to satisfy specific high-demanding mission requirements, such as high data rate and resiliency necessary in congested and contested environments.
The company said it is developing more complex waveforms as well as other enhancements and these will enter commercial service later in 2023.
Additionally, Black ICE will enable the addition of future enhanced special waveform features so that the service can utilise the capabilities of Viasat’s next-generation satellites.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Digital Battlespace
-
![Airbus launches final CSO observation satellite for French Armed Forces]()
Airbus launches final CSO observation satellite for French Armed Forces
Airbus was awarded the Composante Spatiale Optique (CSO) contract at the end of 2010. This included an option for a third satellite, which was activated after Germany joined the programme in 2015.
-
![Intelligence advantage: How real-time GEOINT is reshaping military decision-making (Studio)]()
Intelligence advantage: How real-time GEOINT is reshaping military decision-making (Studio)
In today’s contested operational environment, adaptability is key. The new Geospatial-Intelligence as a Service (GEO IaaS) solution from Fujitsu and MAIAR empowers militaries by enabling intelligence advantage, combining advanced technology with human expertise to deliver actionable insights.
-
![Israel sets up new department to boost development of AI and autonomy]()
Israel sets up new department to boost development of AI and autonomy
Israel will continue to develop autonomy for its weapons and platforms as it brings together defence personnel, academia and industry.
-
![Clavister contracted to supply cyber protection for CV90s]()
Clavister contracted to supply cyber protection for CV90s
Clavister CyberArmour, an integrated defence cybersecurity system, will be used on BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90 platform in deployments with a Scandinavian country, as well as in an eastern European nation.
-
![Lockheed Martin completes tactical satellite demonstration and prepares for launch]()
Lockheed Martin completes tactical satellite demonstration and prepares for launch
The tactical satellite (TacSat) is an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) system and will participate in exercises in 2025.
-
![AUSA 2024: General Micro Systems adds four new products to the X9 Spider family]()
AUSA 2024: General Micro Systems adds four new products to the X9 Spider family
The airborne three-domain, the two ground-based and the ¼ ATR OpenVPX-based cross-domain systems were engineered to provide real-time security across multi-domain operations.
