Western DataCom in working with Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) successfully demonstrated the ability to utilize an Aerostat outfitted with a cellular base station as its payload for “Cellular on the Battlefield”.   In conjunction with Qualcomm the Western DataCom Aerocell system was deployed at 2,000 feet and provided a private CDMA EVDO Rev A network used to pass voice, video and data. 

Research and development has been ongoing with the Joint Systems Integration Center for the past 18-months.  In conjunction Western DataCom has been developing an ad-hoc “MANET” hardware platform for ground forces that is capable of utilizing the Aerocell system.  This hardened mobile network appliance allows users to establish a secure MANET network with cellular reach back providing omnipresent interoperability.