Darwin McDaniel
Viasat is now offering its new GAT-5518 Ka-band Global Aero Terminal that provides in-flight connectivity services to government and private aircraft.Â
The 18-inch antenna works on unmanned aerial vehicles, fixed-wing military aircraft and VIP business and corporate jets, among other aerial platforms, the company said Wednesday.Â
The military can use GAT-5518 in high-bandwidth operations, such as real-time intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, situational awareness, mission planning, search and rescue and maritime surveillance.Â
GAT-5518 also supports live video teleconferencing, corporate VPN access, web browsing and audio, video and live TV streaming aboard business and corporate jets.Â
“We’re focused on delivering advanced antenna systems that meet in-flight connectivity requirements across multiple airframe and end-user types,” said Kent Leka, general manager of antenna systems at Viasat. “In designing and developing new aero terminals we take into consideration the broad user base and application sets to ensure the terminal’s viability across various markets.”
GAT-5518 features Viasat’s Hybrid Adaptive Network architecture that provides protection against congestion, interference and cyber threats.
The antenna operates with Federal Aviation Administration D0-160G certification.Â
Viasat said it delivered GAT-5518 to initial government and military customers ahead of its public launch.Â
