An AH-64E Guardian helicopter. Photo: Boeing

[Via Satellite 01-29-2016] ViaSat received a contract from Boeing to supply approximately 90 Link 16 Small Tactical Terminals (STT) for Lots 5 and 6 of the AH-64E Apache Guardian Attack Helicopter production line. The AH-64 Apache is an advanced multi-role combat helicopter used by the U.S. Army and a growing number of international defense forces. ViaSat’s STT full-rate production contract will cover Apache helicopters for the next two years.

In addition, the U.S. government has picked the STT as the long-term radio solution for Link 16 and Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW) capability for AH-64E Apache helicopters. The terminal is expected to save the U.S. government nearly $250 million over the life of the program. ViaSat’s software-defined STTs bring real-time combat communications and network interoperability. The terminal is designed o be cost effective and is packaged in a ruggedized, compact form factor.