Viasat Awarded U.S. Air Force DEUCSI Contract for Phased Array Antenna Technology Development

Rhea-AI Summary

Viasat (NASDAQ: VSAT) has been awarded a $33.6 million contract by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) under the Defense Experimentation Using Commercial Space Internet (DEUCSI) program. The contract involves developing Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) systems for resilient satellite communications on tactical aircraft, including rotary wing platforms.

The AESA systems will enable multi-band, multi-orbit, and multi-vendor network access, supporting the government's need for resilient communications. Viasat will leverage its commercial AESA technology and expertise to create a high-performance, low size, weight, and power (SWAP) phased array antenna that offers improved flexibility, reliability, and aerodynamics for aircraft.

This development aligns with Viasat's previous awards in phased array antenna technology across land, maritime, space, and airborne applications, announced in August 2023.

Positive

• Secured a $33.6 million contract from the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory
• Developing advanced AESA systems for tactical aircraft communications
• Expanding presence in military communications technology
• Leveraging existing commercial AESA technology for new applications

Negative

• None.

Insights

Tech Expert

Viasat's $33.6 million DEUCSI contract is a significant development in military communications technology. The focus on Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) systems for tactical aircraft represents a important advancement in resilient satellite communications. Key points include:

• Multi-band, multi-orbit and multi-vendor network access capabilities enhance communication flexibility and reliability.
• Low size, weight and power (SWAP) design is critical for aircraft integration.
• No moving parts improve durability and aerodynamics.
• Multiple beam support and jamming resistance are vital for military operations.

This contract strengthens Viasat's position in the defense sector and demonstrates the growing importance of commercial satellite technology in military applications. The potential for cross-domain applications (land, maritime, space and airborne) suggests broader market opportunities for Viasat's AESA technology.

Financial Analyst

This contract is a positive development for Viasat, albeit modest in scale relative to its $1.66 billion market cap. Key financial implications include:

• Immediate revenue boost of $33.6 million, with potential for more if options are exercised.
• Strengthens Viasat's foothold in the lucrative defense sector, potentially leading to larger contracts.
• Diversifies revenue streams beyond commercial satellite services.
• Demonstrates Viasat's R&D capabilities, potentially increasing its competitive edge.

While not transformative, this contract validates Viasat's technology and market position. It could lead to increased investor confidence, especially if it results in follow-on contracts or expanded applications of the AESA technology across different domains. The long-term value lies in establishing Viasat as a key player in next-generation military communications systems.

The company will develop Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) systems to support resiliency with multi-band, multi-orbit, multi-vendor network access

CARLSBAD, Calif., Sept. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Viasat, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global leader in satellite communications, today announced it was awarded a $33.6 million contract including options from the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) under the Defense Experimentation Using Commercial Space Internet (DEUCSI) program to develop and deliver Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) systems to enable resilient satellite communications for tactical aircraft, including rotary wing platforms.

The DEUCSI program aims to support the use of commercial satellite connectivity and services, and address the government need for resilient communications with a hybrid network that can leverage different frequences, orbits and providers. Viasat will use its commercial AESA technology, as well as its extensive integration and radio frequency integrated circuits (RFIC) expertise, to develop a new phased array antenna that can deliver greater flexibility and reliability to meet changing mission requirements and demands for resilient communications.

Viasat will deliver a high-performance, low size, weight and power (SWAP) AESA antenna that can support resilient communications for tactical aircraft by enabling connections across different frequencies, orbits and commercial networks. This AESA system will offer users the benefits of a simplified solution with no moving parts, improved performance and greater aerodynamics for the aircraft. These phased array antenna systems are also important for military users when missions require multiple beams, low probability of intercept (LPI) and jamming resistance capabilities.

"Viasat has extensive expertise supporting development of AESA phased array antenna technology across domains and we're excited to bring that experience to the DEUCSI program," said Michael Maughan, Vice President of Space and Mission Systems, Viasat Government. "We believe hybrid resilient communication solutions are central to future government mobility operations and our teams are committed to continuing to help solve these multi-band, multi-orbit, multi-constellation interoperability challenges with high performance, cost-effective capabilities."

Following previous awards announced in August 2023, Viasat has now received phased array antenna technology development contracts across land, maritime, space and airborne applications.

About Viasat

Viasat is a global communications company that believes everyone and everything in the world can be connected. With offices in 24 countries around the world, our mission shapes how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the world communicate and connect. Viasat is developing the ultimate global communications network to power high-quality, reliable, secure, affordable, fast connections to positively impact people's lives anywhere they are—on the ground, in the air or at sea, while building a sustainable future in space. In May 2023, Viasat completed its acquisition of Inmarsat, combining the teams, technologies and resources of the two companies to create a new global communications partner. Learn more at www.viasat.com, the Viasat News Room or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X or YouTube. 

Copyright © 2024 Viasat, Inc. All rights reserved. Viasat, the Viasat logo and the Viasat Signal are registered in the U.S and in other countries to Viasat, Inc. All other product or company names mentioned are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to the safe harbors created under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements include, among others, statements that refer to the development of a high-performance, low SWAP, and multi-frequency, -orbit and -constellation AESA antenna for the DEUCSI program. Readers are cautioned that actual results could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include: risks associated with the construction, launch and operation of satellites, including the effect of any anomaly, operational failure or degradation in satellite performance; our ability to successfully develop, introduce and sell new technologies, products and services; changes in the global business environment and economic conditions; delays in approving U.S. Government budgets and cuts in government defense expenditures; our reliance on U.S. Government contracts, and on a small number of contracts which account for a significant percentage of our revenues; reduced demand for products and services as a result of continued constraints on capital spending by customers; changes in relationships with, or the financial condition of, key customers or suppliers; our reliance on a limited number of third parties to manufacture and supply our products; and other factors affecting the communications and defense industries generally. In addition, please refer to the risk factors contained in our SEC filings available at www.sec.gov, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/viasat-awarded-us-air-force-deucsi-contract-for-phased-array-antenna-technology-development-302256124.html

SOURCE Viasat, Inc.

FAQ

What is the value of Viasat's DEUCSI contract with the U.S. Air Force?

Viasat was awarded a $33.6 million contract including options from the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory under the DEUCSI program.

What technology will Viasat develop under the DEUCSI contract?

Viasat will develop Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) systems to enable resilient satellite communications for tactical aircraft, including rotary wing platforms.

How will Viasat's AESA technology benefit military communications?

The AESA technology will support resilient communications by enabling connections across different frequencies, orbits, and commercial networks, offering improved flexibility, reliability, and aerodynamics for aircraft.

When did Viasat (VSAT) announce previous phased array antenna technology contracts?

Viasat announced previous phased array antenna technology development contracts across land, maritime, space, and airborne applications in August 2023.