ViaSat wins extension of command and control work

Satellite and wireless products producer ViaSat Inc. won an add-on order worth $6.6 million from the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command to supply for terminals with secure, high capacity digital data and voice communication capabilities, the company said yesterday.

The add-on award for Multifunctional Information Distribution System terminals includes both airborne and ground based low-volume terminals.

The terminals are advanced systems for command, control, communications and intelligence that incorporate high capacity, jam-resistant digital communication links for exchanging real-time tactical information among air, ground and sea elements.

They support warfighting functions such as surveillance, identification, air control, weapons engagement coordination, and direction for all the military services and allied forces, the company said.

Based in San Diego, the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command provides information technology and space systems for U.S. Navy and Defense Department activities.

ViaSat of Carlsbad, Calif., provides communication systems for government and commercial customers. The company employs more than 900 workers and had revenue of $278.6 million for the fiscal year ended April 2, 2004. About 46 percent of the ViaSat's revenue comes from U.S. government contracts.