ViaSat Demonstrates High-Speed Data Link for ISR Images at Empire Challenge 2010

CARLSBAD, Calif., Aug. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ViaSat Inc. (Nasdaq: VSAT), in conjunction with the Office of Naval Research and Naval Research Laboratory, demonstrated the Tactical Reachback Extended Communications (TREC) data link during Empire Challenge 2010, hosted by the U.S. Joint Forces Command. The TREC system transmitted real-time, high-resolution infrared image data from an aircraft to a ground analysis center at information rates up to 133 Mbps. In initial testing, a small, automatic pointing antenna developed by Ball Aerospace Corporation and a ViaSat one-watt RF transceiver provided repeatable, reliable transmission at 112 Mbps out to a 53 nautical mile range from an altitude of 16,000 feet.

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Two important aspects of the TREC data link are the use of the 37.0 to 38.4 GHz frequency band and the implementation of the power- and bandwidth-efficient DVB-S2 waveform in the ViaSat HI-BEAM modem. Spectrum congestion has become a growing operational challenge with the increase in number of UAVs in the battlefield, but the use of this lightly-used frequency band overcomes that problem.

The ViaSat HI-BEAM DVB-S2 modems increase throughput to an information data rate up to 180 Mbps by using more advanced forward error correction – in this case Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) codes – in a small form factor package (2 lbs) with 17-watt power consumption. A new version of the modem, which is expected to be available in December, is designed to enable the link to provide a maximum information data rate of 720 Mbps. The system also includes a low data rate ground-to-aircraft link to provide RF power control and reduce DC power consumption.

"ViaSat power- and bandwidth-efficient communication technology is meeting the Navy's need for a small, lightweight, low-power, high-speed UAVtoground data link," said Russell Fuerst, VP and general manager for IP and ASICs at ViaSat. "As demonstrated during Empire Challenge 2010, this technology helps the Navy to meet its high throughput ISR goals for Tier II and III UAVs."

The demonstration took place from August 2-13 at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. The annual demonstration of joint and coalition intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance is sponsored by the U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence.

ViaSat HI-BEAM Demonstration at AUVSI 2010

ViaSat will exhibit in booth 3008 at AUVSI 2010, August 24-27 in Denver, Colo. Showcased in the booth will be a live demonstration of the HI-BEAM modem. The 37.0 to 38.4 GHz RT transceiver will also be available for viewing. For additional information, contact Richard Gedney at 440-263-8549.

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. ViaSat also offers design capabilities and a number of complementary products including monolithic microwave integrated circuits and modules, DVB-S2 satellite communication components, video data link systems, data acceleration and compression, and mobile satellite antenna systems. Based in Carlsbad, Calif.,ViaSat includes a number of worldwide locations for customer service, network operations, and technology development.

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, including statements that refer to the availability of new modem versions. 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 continued turmoil in global financial markets and economies; the availability and cost of credit; the ability to successfully develop, introduce, and sell new products and enhancements; and other factors affecting the communications 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 10K 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.