...airborne satellite antenna. This ultra-small SATCOM antenna, together with ViaSat ArcLight® technology, has been the workhorse for hundreds of military and general aviation uses on light airframes. These aircraft need to limit the size, weight, and power of onboard communications equipment, but still need to meet advanced broadband satcom requirements for media-rich applications. Among the notable VR-12 airframe systems is the “hatch mount” version, an integrated antenna system and radome package that drops into the escape hatch of a C-130 aircraft. This modular shipset provides a roll-on, roll-off capability that enables quick configuration of any C-130 for satellite communications. Other installations include tail mounts for the PC-12 (U-28), commercial Gulfstream, and other planes, and a fuselage mount for government MC-12W aircraft.

Bucking the trends for larger antenna designs, the ultra-small 30cm aperture of the VR-12, positioner mechanism, and RF electronics, along with a companion ViaSat airborne modem, delivers upwards of 2.5 =Mbps continuously on Ku-band satellite networks. These airborne satellite terminals operate seamlessly on the ViaSat global satellite service network that offers a number of tiered service plans with a range of connection and performance options. Most plans include worldwide roaming access to complement higher priority regional service.

“The small VR-12 footprint has been a key to achieving so many successful Ku-band installations,” said Paul Baca, GM, ViaSat Global Mobile Broadband. “As more Ka-band satellites become operational, we plan to offer a new VR-12 Ka antenna with an identical footprint as a new configuration option.”