ViaSat STT selected for RAN DA20 Falcon aircraft

ViaSat will supply its Small Tactical Terminal (STT) KOR-24 for installation on the DA20 Falcon series of aircraft used by the Royal Navy under a contract awarded by BAE Systems. The STT will support Link 16 network pre-deployment pilot training.

The STT, co-developed by ViaSat and Harris Corporation, is the first certified VHF/UHF and Link 16 two-channel radio authorised for transmission in the UK airspace on any platform that has the same clearance approval. The system passed the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) safety case certification in December 2012.

Cobham manages the programme for the Royal Navy Joint Support Air Tasking Organization for fleet data link training and compatibility management of naval assets prior to operational deployment. This programme provides a wide area system with high data throughput and multi-level security that binds together and reinforces tactical communications. It is an important component of network-enabled capability, a key element in the Joint Support Air Tasking data link training development.

According to ViaSat, integration of the dual-channel STT into the Falcon will be an important part of UK enduring tactical data link training.

The STT/KOR-24 is a two-channel, Link 16 and VHF/UHF radio terminal, providing simultaneous communication of voice and/or data. The terminal reduces the size, weight, and power of tactical data link equipment and includes a range of software-defined VHF/UHF military radio and Link 16 functions. The VHF/UHF channels provide the soldier with the capability of inserting time-critical data on the Link 16 network using software programmable waveforms such as HaveQuick and SINCGARS.
 
With a weight of 16lbs the system is finding application in helicopters, light aircraft, small boats, UAVs, and ground forces including vehicles and a wide variety of ‘shelterised’ communication nodes.