ViaSat-1 was previously used to demonstrate a protected tactical waveform. (photo courtesy of Space Systems/Loral)
ViaSat-1 was previously used to demonstrate a protected tactical waveform. (photo courtesy of Space Systems/Loral)
ViaSat-1 was previously used to demonstrate a protected tactical waveform. (photo courtesy of Space Systems/Loral)
ViaSat-1 was previously used to demonstrate a protected tactical waveform. (photo courtesy of Space Systems/Loral)
ViaSat-1 was previously used to demonstrate a protected tactical waveform. (photo courtesy of Space Systems/Loral)

Anti-Jam Protected Tactical Waveform Successfully Demonstrated

Oct. 30, 2013
A new protected tactical waveform provides anti-jam and low probability of intercept capabilities for secure communications.

Secure communications are a necessity for military operations— from front-line deployed forces to remotely piloted aircraft missions. A demonstration of an unclassified but secure, anti-jam waveform—in tandem with a small, low-cost satellite terminal—recently proved to be a viable approach to protecting such communications.

The modem demonstration involved key elements of the waveform, which is similar to the military’s most complex waveform, Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF). Raytheon’s protected tactical waveform can operate on a variety of bands including Q, X, and Ka. It provides secure, anti-jam, low-probability-of-intercept capabilities, which are unavailable on current unprocessed or unprotected satellites. The flexibility across frequency bands will provide tactical users with the protected communications they need at a cost-effective price when used with existing and future satellites.

This marks the first of three phases under a US Air Force study known as the Design for Affordability and Risk Reduction. That study will help the government chart the course for future military satellite-communication terminals.

Another contractor in the study, Boeing, successfully transmitted protected communications on a high-capacity satellite platform in July 2013. In the demonstration, Boeing used the government’s protected tactical waveform to securely transmit information over ViaSat-1, illustrating how anti-jam bandwidth could be added in a cost-effective manner. The government signal is compatible with industry standards and multiple frequency bands.

Sponsored Recommendations

Frequency Modulation Fundamentals

March 14, 2024
The development of crystal-clear FM communications was an innovation of genius and toil. Utilized today in applications such as radar, seismology, telemetry and two-way radios...

44 GHz Programmable Signal Generator

March 14, 2024
The Mini-Circuits SSG-44G-RC is a 0.1 to 44 GHz signal source with an RF output range of -40 to +17 dBm with fine resolution. This model supports CW and pulsed (? 0.5 ?s) outputs...

Webinar: Introduction to OTA Measurement for mmWave and Sub-THz

Feb. 19, 2024
Join Jeanmarc Laurent, a leading expert from MilliBox, for an exclusive live webinar showcasing a complete Over-the-Air (OTA) testing system setup. In this immersive session, ...

Using a CMT VNA with Socket Server

Feb. 19, 2024
This application note describes use of a software application CMT Socket Server which is distributed and supported by Aphena Ltd. Please email [email protected] regarding purchase...