AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and ViaSat have signed a strategic agreement to develop capabilities for beyond-line-of-sight satellite communications in new AAI unmanned aircraft systems aircraft. AAI unmanned aircraft systems is a designer and manufacturer of unmanned aircraft systems.
The organizations intend to align integrated airborne and terrestrial satellite communications from ViaSat and sophisticated command and control and unmanned aircraft technologies from AAI. ViaSat’s Internet Protocol-based security and networking technology are also part of the agreement.
ViaSat, AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Overwatch have partnered to develop the Forward Airborne Secure Transmission and Communication (FASTCOM) system, which is a mobile cellular network that allows confidential smartphone communications. The collaboration can utilize the FASTCOM system’s third- and fourth-generation capability for improving communications in the combat zone.
Steven Reid, the President and General Manager of AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems, stated that the alliance with ViaSat will help the company stay ahead in system development and integration. The performance of tactical UAS will be a critical asset on the battlefield, he said.
Paul Baca, the Vice President and General Manager of ViaSat Global Mobile Broadband, stated that the company’s private satellite network services had the capability to provide dedicated bandwidth for distribution of UAS video in the battlefield area.
AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems is a unit of Textron Systems.
Source: http://www.aaicorp.com/