The VDC-800 PC Data Controller connects via USB to laptop computers and handheld computing devices to enable secure IP access. The VDC-800 advances the ViaSat “IP to the Tactical Edge” approach to military communications by adding the high-speed, plug-and-play USB interface to the ViaSat Data Controller family. This USB data controller extends IP and TCP/IP networking to the military personel on the frontline.

The VDC-800 can connect to the USB of a computer or handheld device and be used with any current tactical radio to run IP-based critical combat communications applications, such as Situational Awareness, whiteboard collaboration, chat, messaging and email, almost as if they were at their own desktop computer. The VDC-800 can also be used to transmit Cursor on Target core data elements for military interoperability, including direct fire mission, blue force tracking, surveillance results, and airspace deconfliction information.

Ruggedised to MIL-STD-810F, the VDC-800 offers, interoperability and flexibility for any kind of mission. It features powerful error-correction to transmit images and other data over noisy half-duplex, low data rate radio communication channels. This USB Data Controller creates network-centric connections that link the frontline operatives to the Common Operational Picture.

The unit can be powered directly from a computer’s USB bus, the removable rechargeable battery or an external DC power supply. The VDC-800 will operate with both full Windows and Windows CE devices and is fully interoperable with all of ViaSat’s existing data controllers. Future features will be supported through field downloadable upgrades.