Viasat Introduces Advanced SDR Modem Solutions

Viasat Inc. has unveiled its latest series of modem solutions, the Black ICE Software Defined Radio (SDR) family.

Meeting the Demands of Modern ISR Operations

As uncrewed Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions become more prevalent, military commands are in need of dependable, adaptable, and secure solutions that are compact in size, weight, and power (SWaP). These solutions must ensure reliable communication coverage to effectively support various operations.

Innovative Features of Black ICE SDR

The Black ICE SDR modem solutions facilitate the integration of both commercial off-the-shelf and tailored waveforms, ensuring secure data transmission for critical missions. This product line enhances capabilities through the established ELERA L-band and Global Xpress Ka-band networks, thereby bolstering U.S. Government communication resources across land, sea, and air globally.

Expert insights on Performance and Flexibility

matt Wissler, Chief Technology Officer at Viasat government Systems, emphasized, “As beyond line-of-sight communications become integral to ISR and Command and Control (C2) missions, U.S. Government clients require high-performance solutions that extend platform range while minimizing signatures across various domains. The Black ICE SDR platform equips customers with the ability to integrate flexible waveforms and securely transmit significant data volumes while adhering to SWaP constraints.”

Wissler further stated, “We are thrilled to present our Black ICE modem solutions to U.S. Government clients. This cutting-edge capability not only enhances our existing service offerings but also allows us to develop mission-specific solutions that leverage our next-generation satellites, ultimately delivering greater value to end users.”

Designed for Military Excellence

The Black ICE SDRs are engineered to fulfill the rigorous demands of military users,providing security,adaptability,compact design,and high-performance terminals. These solutions support Xilinx and Intel Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) architectures in both L-band and Ka-band,along with OpenAMIP for antenna management. Furthermore, they contribute to a reduction in SWaP for L-band LAISR user terminals, thereby enhancing beyond line-of-sight (BLOS) communication capabilities.

Flexible Waveform Integration for Enhanced Operations

Utilizing the robust and secure ELERA L-band network, Black ICE SDRs offer flexible waveform integration and deliver low SWaP solutions that meet the demanding form factor and performance requirements for BLOS communications on both crewed and uncrewed platforms, as well as for expeditionary C2 operations.

Ka-band Solutions for Specialized Needs

For customers utilizing Ka-band, Black ICE can be seamlessly integrated into standard Global Xpress Ka-band terminals through G-MODMAN II and Open Platform (OP) modem manager technology, enabling the addition of specialized waveform services. This feature allows U.S. Government Global Xpress users to access alternative waveforms tailored to meet specific mission requirements, such as high data rates and resilience in congested and contested environments.

Future Developments and Enhancements

More complex waveforms and enhancements are currently in the pipeline, set to launch commercially later in 2023. These advancements will introduce new features and provide customers with greater flexibility to adapt to evolving mission needs. Additionally, Black ICE will support the integration of future enhanced special waveform features, maximizing the capabilities of Viasat’s next-generation satellites.