Viasat selected for NOAA hurricane hunter aircraft communications

Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT) announced it has been selected by Lockheed Martin to provide satellite communications technology for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's next-generation C-130J Hercules "Hurricane Hunter" aircraft program, according to a company press release.

Under the subcontract, Viasat will support Lockheed Martin's delivery of two modified C-130J aircraft, with options for additional aircraft. The planes are designed to serve as airborne laboratories collecting environmental data to improve hurricane forecasting and weather prediction. The aircraft are expected to enter service by 2030.

Viasat will provide engineering support, terminal hardware and structural integration data to enable satellite connectivity on the C-130J platform. The solution is intended to support real-time transmission of scientific and operational data collected during hurricane and tropical cyclone reconnaissance missions.

The program represents the first formal line-fit integration of Viasat's Hybrid SATCOM Approach technology on the C-130J platform. The factory integration approach reduces time, cost and risk associated with post-delivery aircraft modifications, according to the company.

NOAA's configuration will integrate the company's ARINC 791/792-compliant antenna baseplate with Viasat's Ku/Ka broadband antenna. The standardized foundation supports mechanical integration while allowing for technology upgrades.

Viasat's platform is designed to accommodate multiple antenna apertures and enable multi-network, multi-orbit connectivity. While NOAA's application focuses on Ku-band connectivity, the standardized baseplate architecture will enable the C-130J aircraft to support future enhancements without structural rework.

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