The Navy’s new satellite system has shown an ability to transmit secure radio communications while on the move, contractors Lockheed Martin [LMT] and General Dynamics [GD] said yesterday.
Lockheed Martin said two General Dynamics AN/PRC-155 Manpack radios recently completed secure radio-to-radio voice and data calls using an in orbit Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite.
Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor for the MUOS program, which is replacing the Ultra High Frequency Follow-On system with 10 times greater communications capacity.
The first MUOS satellite launched last year, with the second scheduled to launch in July. The constellation of five satellites, including a spare orbiter, is scheduled to become fully operational in 2015.
“This first data call demonstrates the MUOS system capability for users who have up to now lacked secure data on the move,” said Iris Bombelyn, Lockheed Martin’s vice president for narrowband communications. “The Manpack radio is the first of many terminal types that we know are waiting to connect to the MUOS network. Over 20,000 existing terminals are preparing to follow.”
General Dynamics said the communications link will allow soldiers to network from remote locations.
“Using the same cell phone technology that powers commercial smartphones, military and government personnel can make secure ‘calls’ and exchange critical information from anywhere in the world,” said Chris Marzilli, president of General Dynamics C4 Systems.