[Satellite TODAY Insider 02-23-11] The U.S. Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) placed another $6.8 million limited production Multi-functional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS JTRS) terminal order with ViaSat, furthering the operator’s efforts to achieve production status on the U.S. military program by the end of the year, the company announced Feb. 22.
    The add-on order, which resulted from a competitive procurement under the MIDS contract initially awarded to ViaSat in March 2010, will see the operator deliver MIDS JTRS terminals for F/A-18E/F, RC-135 Rivet Joint and EC-130H Compass Call aircraft. 
    ViaSat developed MIDS JTRS with partner Data Link Solutions to provide the military with a migration path from its former MIDS-Low Volume Terminal to a software-defined radio architecture.
    ViaSat CEO Mark Dankberg previously told Satellite TODAY Insider that the Pentagon has shown interest in the operator expanding its MIDS JTRS technology. "We’ve been in discussions with the government about adding additional functional capabilities and modes to MIDS JTRS which would include advanced airborne tactical data links and higher speed and bandwidth versions. The government also is considering the addition of operating modes such as UHF, broadband satellite communication and air-to-ground soldier radio wave forms. I think that program will be a significant growth driver for us in the near future," Dankberg said.
    ViaSat recently completed contractor and government testing on the MIDS JTRS terminal and has received software communications architecture, electromagnetic compatibility, Joint Interoperability Test Command interoperability and NSA security certifications.

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