ViaSat and L-3 Platform Integration to Collaborate on In-flight Broadband Satellite Communications for VVIP Aircraft

CARLSBAD, Calif., May 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- ViaSat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT) and the L-3 (NYSE: LLL) Platform Integration Division (L-3 PID) have signed a memorandum of agreement to provide private transport-class aircraft with in-flight connectivity services. Under the agreement, the companies will collaborate on a complete broadband satellite communication system for airline-sized planes that are custom-fit for use by heads of state and "VVIP" customers.

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

The in-flight communication system will combine an airborne shipset and global broadband network services from ViaSat with L-3 PID completion services, including system integration, design, engineering, installation, in-cabin passenger networking, and certification.

By working together, ViaSat and L-3 PID see an opportunity to accelerate the implementation of satellite communication systems for aircraft operators by streamlining the vendor review and selection process, and providing a proven package of advanced technologies, engineering skills, and program management. 

 "As we pursue this VVIP market with L-3 PID, we're building on a collaboration that has produced numerous mobile satellite system installations," said Paul Baca, vice president of ViaSat Global Mobile Broadband. "Together with their resources and understanding of these complex aircraft, we believe we can meet a very broad scope of customerli expectations for in-flight performance and operational support."

"We feel that ViaSat has the most complete and advanced portfolio of satellite services, products, and technology in the commercial aviation industry. They have a long history of delivering satellite systems and services around the globe," said Ken McAlpin, vice president of Commercial Programs for L-3 PID.  "HOS/VVIP customers expect the highest quality service, equipment, and workmanship on their aircraft and we're committed to providing that."

ViaSat continues to enhance its global network with a recent capacity expansion and security to meet growing demands for in-flight services, including streaming media and high-speed Internet for the larger number of users that VIP aircraft typically carry.

For more information, contact Steve Sivitz, 760-476-2260 or [email protected].

About ViaSat (www.viasat.com)
ViaSat delivers fast, secure communications, Internet, and network access to virtually any location for consumers, governments, enterprise, and the military. The company offers fixed and mobile satellite network services including Exede^® by ViaSat, which features ViaSat-1, the world's highest capacity satellite; service to more than 1,800 mobile platforms, including Yonder Ku-band mobile service; satellite broadband networking systems; and network-centric military communication systems and cybersecurity products for the U.S. and allied governments. ViaSat also offers communication system design and a number of complementary products and technologies. Based in Carlsbad, California, ViaSat employs over 2,500 people in a number of locations worldwide for technology development, customer service, and network operations.

About L-3 Platform Integration (www.L-3com.com)
For more than 23 years, the L-3 VIP and Head-of-State Completion Center has offered a full range of wide-body and business jet interior completion services for VIP and head-of-state customers. Its services include design, fabrication, installation, certification and post-delivery support. The site is also known for complex technical modifications for both civilian and military aircraft programs. In addition to its interior completion solutions, L-3 offers the VVIP customer community an L-3 aircraft elevator system and the L-3 Aircraft Threat Countermeasures Solution (ATCS).  To learn more about L-3's VIP and Head-of-State Completion Center, please visit the company's website at www.L-3VIPinteriors.com.

Headquartered in New York City, L-3 employs approximately 51,000 people worldwide and is a prime contractor in C3ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) systems, platform and logistics solutions, and national security solutions. L-3 is also a leading provider of a broad range of electronic systems used on military and commercial platforms. The company reported 2012 sales of $13.1 billion.

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 about providing private transport-class aircraft with in-flight connectivity services,  collaboration on broadband satellite communication systems for airline-sized planes, acceleration of the implementation of satellite communication systems for aircraft operators and meeting a broad scope of customer expectations for in-flight performance and operational support. Readers are cautioned that actual results could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include: the ability to successfully implement ViaSat's business plan for broadband satellite services on ViaSat's anticipated timeline or at all; risks associated with the construction, launch and operation of ViaSat's satellites, including the effect of any anomaly, operational failure or degradation in satellite performance; negative audits by the U.S. government; continued turmoil in the global business environment and economic conditions; delays in approving U.S. government budgets and cuts in government defense expenditures; ViaSat's reliance on U.S. government contracts, and on a small number of contracts which account for a significant percentage of ViaSat's revenues; the ability to successfully develop, introduce and sell new technologies, products and services; reduced demand for products as a result of continued constraints on capital spending by customers; changes in relationships with, or the financial condition of, key customers or suppliers; reliance on a limited number of third parties to manufacture and supply ViaSat's products; increased competition and other factors affecting the communications and defense industries generally; the effect of adverse regulatory changes on ViaSat's ability to sell products and services; ViaSat's level of indebtedness and ability to comply with applicable debt covenants; ViaSat's involvement in litigation, including intellectual property claims and litigation to protect proprietary technology; and ViaSat's dependence on a limited number of key employees. 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.

Yonder and Exede are registered trademarks of ViaSat Inc.

SOURCE ViaSat Inc.