Why RF Network Testing?

Modern military communication system designs operate in a complex and diverse RF signal environment. In any given region of the RF spectrum, there are more coexisting systems than ever before, causing the density of signals to continuously increase. The depth and diversity of the real-world signal set can degrade communication system capacity and performance in certain avionics environments.

An Example: The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter

Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Systems uses a Communication, Navigation, and Identification (CNI) Function Stimulator (CFS) for avionics testing of F-35 Lightning II aircraft, also known as the Joint Strike Fighter. The complexity of the avionics systems in state-of-the-art fighter aircraft requires realistic test environments and accurate signal representation. ViaSat RF stimulators provide a true-to-life CNI test environment and reduce the cost of in-flight testing.

Pilots spend a lot of time managing current avionic systems, but the new F-35 promises to free pilots to concentrate on their missions instead. That capability calls for much more sophisticated offensive and defensive sensors and avionics -- a highly integrated system that requires more rigorous RF signal testing. RF simulation gets the testing done without costly flight time.

Why ViaSat?

RF Stimulation from ViaSat goes beyond ordinary simulation and computer modeling techniques to actually stimulate the avionics environment with real signals of RF energy, including RF jamming and background signals. This true-to-life stimulation of RF signals ensures the most accurate analysis of communication system performance possible.

We designed an RF signal stimulation system that mimics a real-life RF signal environment in a repeatable way to test communication systems and resolve design issues earlier. In the developmental stages of a communication system, our RF signal stimulator can help optimize system performance, speed time to market, and dramatically lower development and deployment costs.