Companies team for UAS capability

Two U.S. companies have teamed to develop beyond-line-of-sight satellite communications for unmanned aircraft systems.

The alliance between AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems of Maryland and California’s ViaSat Inc., will integrate the companies’ command-and-control and satellite communications expertise.

It also brings Overwatch into the mix.

Overwatch, like AAI, is a Textron Systems company specializing in and intelligence solutions for the U.S. government.

“The performance and affordability of tactical UAS like our Shadow system make them an invaluable battlefield asset with a growing mission spectrum,” AAI Senior Vice President and General Manager Steven Reid said.

“Our customers’ unmanned assets need to be as flexible and capable as the troops who utilize them, and this new strategic alliance with ViaSat is one way that we’re staying on the leading edge of system development and integration.”

The companies already collaborate on a mobile, cellular network smartphone capable of handling transmission of “Top Secret” communications. The system, FASTCOM, will be built upon under the alliance to enhance battlefield communications.

“This new phase of the AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems relationship is completely in-sync with our intent to continue delivering industry-leading broadband performance over ultra-small-aperture airborne satellite communication systems,” said Vice President and General Manager for ViaSat Global Mobile Broadband Paul Baca.

“And our private satellite network services can deliver the dedicated bandwidth needed to distribute tactical UAS video throughout the battlespace.”