US Army Selects ViaSat for Apache Helicopters

The U.S. Army is adding its AH-64E Apache helicopter fleet to the Link 16 network. Following successful flight tests, the Army has decided to pursue a sole-source solicitation of ViaSat Inc. for the Small Tactical Terminal (STT) KOR-24A to satisfy its requirement for an Airborne and Maritime/Fixed Station (AMF) Small Airborne Link 16 Terminal (SALT).

 

The STT is the latest generation of small, two-channel, Link 16 and VHF/UHF radio terminals. While in flight, the STT provides simultaneous communication, voice or data, on two waveforms for the battlefield of the future: Link 16 and Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW).

 

"The STT satisfies the latest requirements for Apache helicopters, providing a significant advance in battlefield communications as Link 16 and SRW become essential capabilities in the future of Army aviation," says Dr. Jay Kaufman, general manager of ViaSat Tactical Data Links.

 

The STT 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. At only 16 lb, the terminal is finding a variety of applications in helicopters, ground vehicles, light aircraft, small boats, UAVs, and small shelterized communication nodes.