Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions division announced that its PacStar® business, a leading developer and supplier of advanced communications solutions for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), has been awarded a contract by Viasat to provide its advanced modular network communications equipment for use in Viasat’s portable Move Out/Jump Off (MOJO) Communications System.
Viasat is leveraging the industry-leading PacStar 441 Small Router Module and PacStar 451 Small Server Module to enhance the MOJO system’s overall size, weight and power (SWaP). PacStar products provide the interconnect between the MOJO system’s radio, Link 16 tactical data link (TDL), and data capabilities. PacStar network equipment will also be used to host other platforms as needed to support customer requirements. As the system integrator, Viasat provides the enhanced MOJO system to support its U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Special Operations community customers. The arrangement, which is valued at $2.2 million, is estimated to grow to more than $5 million over the next five years. Shipments began in Q1 2020 and are scheduled to continue through Q2 2021.
“We are very proud that Viasat has chosen PacStar equipment to enhance the network performance and SWaP envelope of their MOJO communications system,” said Chris Wiltsey, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions division.
“The technology enhancements to Viasat’s expeditionary tactical gateway products are critical as we shift our focus to large-scale combat operations where we expect to fight more sophisticated threats in austere, denied, degraded and disrupted communications environments,” said Andy Kessler, Vice President and Business Area Director, Next Generation Tactical Data Links, Viasat.
PacStar’s small form factor communications modules – including routing, switching, advanced network services and more - are designed to maximize capabilities and configuration flexibility, with the best SWaP available. These rugged, lightweight modules make it easier for the warfighter to communicate securely in austere environments, in a variety of applications, and in any unit structure. With PacStar small form factor modules, system integrators can reduce SWaP, improving mobility and speed of deployment while improving transmission rates and data access.
PacStar 441 Small Router Module provides high-performance routing, switching and advanced network services for critical voice, data, and video connectivity in a compact, quick setup, rugged form factor. It is based on Cisco ESR 5915® technology and provides up to four ports of PoE LAN access.
PacStar 451 Small Server Module provides a high-performance virtualization platform for hosting multiple software applications in a compact, quick setup, rugged form factor.
PacStar’s industry-leading family of advanced communications solutions addresses a wide range of military, intelligence and commercial applications. PacStar created and manufactures COTS-based rugged, small form factor expeditionary and mobile communications systems. Separately, it developed integrated, network communications management software, IQ-Core Software, for the military, federal, state/local government and emergency responder markets. The company’s patented IQ-Core Software, hardware technology and integrated solutions provide secure, command, control and communications systems, particularly in remote or infrastructure starved areas. In addition, PacStar’s communications systems are ideally suited for commercial/industrial organizations with mission-critical field communications requirements.
Curtiss-Wright’s PacStar products are manufactured in its facility in Portland, Oregon, USA.
Curtiss-Wright Corporation is a global innovative company that delivers highly engineered, critical function products and services to the commercial, industrial, defense and energy markets. Building on the heritage of Glenn Curtiss and the Wright brothers, Curtiss-Wright has a long tradition of providing reliable solutions through trusted customer relationships.
The company is headquartered in Davidson, North Caroline, and employs approximately 8,200 people worldwide.
