Inside Project Convergence Capstone 6: Advancing the Future of Army Connectivity

Inside Project Convergence Capstone 6: Advancing the Future of Army Connectivity

As the U.S. Army continues to advance the progress of Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) modernization, the Project Convergence Capstone 6 (PC-C6) exercise this summer provided an important venue for evaluating the emerging technologies needed to support future multi-domain operations. Held at Fort Irwin, California and the Nevada Test and Training Range, PC-C6 brought together military and industry partners to stress-test advanced technologies under realistic conditions.

This was Viasat's third year participating in the premier experimentation exercise, demonstrating innovative communications, networking and sensing capabilities designed to ensure commanders can securely access and share critical information, even in contested environments where terrain, distance and electronic warfare can challenge traditional communications networks. While the temperatures were hot at PC-C6 this year (100° F +), Viasat's ruggedized equipment and dedicated onsite team demonstrated the reliability and resilience required for mission success in challenging environments.

Tactical Networking

A key focus of Viasat's participation was helping the Army explore new approaches to resilient command and control. Our Quicksilver free space optics communications demonstrated the ability to deliver high-capacity data transport through non-radio frequency (RF) links. This system operates outside of regulated RF spectrum allowing for rapid deployment in contested environments. In addition, L-TAC showcased how existing tactical radios can be extended with satellite communications capability to maintain connectivity when line-of-sight communications are unavailable because of the mission environment (i.e. terrain) or intentional disruptions.

Advanced Antennas and Resilient SATCOM

Viasat's Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) antennas demonstrated how mobile and fixed platforms can maintain reliable access to critical networks with low-profile, electronically steered connectivity. This was a commercially developed antenna that has been adapted for military use. In support of the Army's Next Generational Tactical Terminal (NGTT) program, Viasat and All.Space demonstrated the HydraMax antenna, which achieved TRL 6 last year and is compatible with multiple constellations, including ViaSat-3.

Coalition Interoperability

Viasat's involvement also underscored the importance of coalition interoperability. During the exercise, the company supported the British Army in a separate secure environment, demonstrating its NetAgility and MOJO Next solutions. These technologies highlighted the ability to securely connect allied forces and enable information sharing across coalition networks, a critical requirement for future combined and joint operations. NetAgility's resilient mesh networking and MOJO Next tactical gateway capabilities support the delivery of the right information to the right place at the right time, helping advance the UK MoD Digital Targeting Web and a more connected, data-driven force.

"Project Convergence is where the Army transforms concepts into combat capability," said Ryan Walters, Vice President, U.S. Army Strategy & Growth at Viasat. "Viasat is proud to support resilient, mission-ready connectivity that enables faster decisions and greater operational advantage."

By bringing together commercial innovation and proven defense technologies, Viasat helped demonstrate how resilient communications can serve as the connective tissue of the future battlefield. As the Army and its allies continue to modernize their forces, Viasat remains committed to delivering the trusted connectivity, interoperability and mission assurance needed to support the next generation of military operations.

Contact us for more information on how Viasat is supporting U.S. Army modernization.