By Marina Malenic
A new antenna system being developed by Northrop Grumman [NOC] will enable the B-2 stealth bomber to send and receive battlefield information securely by satellite up to 100 times faster than it can today.
The Air Force recently awarded the company a $372 million contract to begin designing the advanced electronically scanned array (AESA) antenna system as part of Increment 2 of the B-2 extremely high frequency (EHF) satellite communications program. Northrop Grumman is the Air Force’s prime contractor for the B-2.
“Our work on the EHF antenna system takes full advantage of Northrop Grumman’s expertise not only in B-2 advancement, but also in satellite communications,” said Dave Mazur, vice president of long range strike and B-2 program manager for Northrop Grumman’s Aerospace Systems sector. “This important enhancement will ensure that the B-2 retains its strategic communications capabilities well into the future.”
Under the terms of contract, the company will complete the preliminary design of the system, demonstrate technology readiness and prove its functionality using hardware prototypes. The required engineering design, manufacturing, assembly, integration and test activities will take place at company facilities in Palmdale, El Segundo and Redondo Beach, Calif.; Dayton, Ohio, and Tinker AFB, Okla. Increment 2 is the largest effort ever undertaken to augment the lethality of the B-2 weapon system, according to Northrop Grumman.
The three-increment EHF Satcom program is part of an ongoing effort by the Air Force and Northrop Grumman to keep the B-2 fully mission capable.
Increment 1 includes enhancements to the aircraft’s processing and communications infrastructure. Increment 2 involves installation of a new communications terminal and the AESA antenna. Increment 3 will integrate the B-2 into the Pentagon’s Global Information Grid, a worldwide network of information systems, processes and personnel involved in collecting, storing, managing and disseminating information to military and other national security personnel.