JPEO JTRS and ViaSat Successfully Demonstrate SATCOM Interconnect to JTRS Network

CARLSBAD, Calif., Dec. 13, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- The Joint Program Executive Office (JPEO) for the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) and ViaSat Inc. (Nasdaq: VSAT) have successfully demonstrated the ability to integrate commercial mobile SATCOM networks with JTRS networks. This integration allows the commander to interconnect dispersed field forces using JTRS radios and then backhaul communications to command centers or any other locations, including mobile locations, throughout the globe. The capability has the potential to interconnect air, land, and sea forces into an integrated tactical network for shared situational awareness and the distribution of voice, video, or sensor data within theater or around the world for real time decision making.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20091216/VIASATLOGO)

Today, tactical communications are dominated by line-of-sight links, so mountain ranges or other physical obstacles block communication between units. While JTRS radios have the ability to emulate a wide variety of current force radios, they also implement IP-based networking for increased data throughput over self-forming, self-healing, managed networks, thereby increasing range and reliability of communications and data exchange. The integration of SATCOM on-the-move capabilities, including the ViaSat ArcLight® system or LinkWayS2™ current force modem, extends the range and reliability even further.

The demonstration attached a commercial broadband on-the-move satellite modem to the JTRS software defined Ground Mobile Radio (GMR). The system architecture included the JTRS developed Wideband Networking Waveform performing as a local wireless network, with the worldwide ViaSat Yonder® Ku-band mobile broadband network as the beyond line-of-sight link secured with the new ViaSat AltaSec® IPS-250, a non-CCI, Suite B inline network encryptor.

"The commander's intent for JTRS is to provide seamless, interoperable communications from brigade command to squads and teams. Today we have shown this interconnection between primarily localized JTRS networks and the global reachback provided by SATCOM to battalion and brigade command. In dispersed deployments like Iraq and Afghanistan, units are often extended beyond line-of-sight and are subject to blockage due to mountains and other structures. Integrating SATCOM with JTRS networks bridges that gap and puts these units back in touch with each other and with central command," said Ric VanderMeulen, VP Global Satcom Systems, ViaSat Inc., commenting on the successful test.

For more information regarding the ArcLight, LinkWayS2 or AltaSec products email: [email protected].

About ViaSat (www.viasat.com)

ViaSat produces innovative satellite and other digital communication products that enable fast, secure, and efficient communications to virtually any location. The company provides networking products and managed network services for enterprise IP applications; is a key supplier of network-centric military communications and encryption technologies and products to the U.S. government; is the primary technology partner for gateway and customer-premises equipment for consumer and mobile satellite broadband services; and owns WildBlue, the premier Ka-band satellite broadband service provider. Based in Carlsbad, Calif., ViaSat includes a number of worldwide locations for customer service, network operations, and technology development.

Yonder and AltaSec are trademarks of ViaSat Inc.

About JPEO JTRS (http://jpeojtrs.mil)

The Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) has evolved from a loosely associated group of radio replacement programs to an integrated effort to network multiple weapon system platforms and forward combat units where it matters most – at the last tactical mile. In 2005, JTRS was restructured under the leadership of a Joint Program Executive Officer (JPEO) headquartered in San Diego, California. The JPEO JTRS provides an enterprise acquisition and management approach to successfully and efficiently develop, produce, integrate, test and field the JTRS networking capability.

By developing and implementing an open architecture of cutting–edge radio waveform technology, multiple radio types (e.g., handheld, ground–mobile, airborne, maritime) are now capable of communicating with one another. The ultimate goal is to produce a family of interoperable, modular, software-defined radios that operate as nodes in a network. These radios enable secure wireless communication and networking services for mobile and fixed forces, consisting of joint, U.S. Allies and coalition partners, and in time, disaster response personnel.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to the safe harbors created under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements include statements that refer to the potential to extend the demonstrated capability to the battlefield. ViaSat wishes to caution you that there are some factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, including but not limited to: contractual problems, product defects, manufacturing issues or delays, regulatory issues, technologies not being developed according to anticipated schedules, or that do not perform according to expectations; and increased competition and other factors affecting the defense industry generally. In addition, please refer to the risk factors contained in ViaSat's SEC filings available at www.sec.gov, including ViaSat's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. ViaSat undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason.

SOURCE ViaSat Inc.