Viasat Releases New Black ICE Software Defined Radio Platform for Military Users

The new Black ICE SDRs are compatible with the Global Xpress network. Photo: Inmarsat, a Viasat company

Viasat is launching a new family of modem solutions, Black ICE Software Defined Radio product line. The Black ICE SDR modem solutions can be integrated with commercial off-the-shelf and custom waveforms, for secure data transmission for mission-critical operations.

Black ICE SDRs are designed to meet the needs of military users with security, flexibility, a low form factor and high-performance capabilities. They can be used on beyond line of sight communications on crewed and uncrewed platforms, as well as expeditionary command and control (C2) operations. 

The Black ICE SDR product line is compatible with Inmarsat’s Elera L-band and Global Xpress networks. Inmarsat is now a Viasat company. Black ICE can be integrated into standard Global Xpress Ka-band terminals via G-MODMAN II and open platform modem manager technology to enable the addition of a special waveform service. U.S. government Global Xpress customers can also access alternative waveforms for high data rate and resiliency necessary in congested and contested environments. More complex waveforms will enter commercial service later in 2023. 

“With the increasing use of beyond line-of-sight communications as part of ISR and C2 missions, U.S. government customers require a high-performance solution that maximizes platform range and reduces signatures for land, sea and air,” commented Matt Wissler, Viasat Government Systems CTO. “The Black ICE SDR platform provides customers with solutions that enable flexible waveform integration and allow them to securely transmit large volumes of data while meeting the SWaP requirements of these platforms.”