Northrop Grumman Tests Confirm Performance of Advanced EHF Downlink Phased Array Antenna
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REDONDO BEACH, Calif., July 31, 2006 -- The downlink phased array antenna developed by Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) for the Advanced Extremely High Frequency (EHF) military satellite communications payload has completed range tests that confirmed performance predictions. The company will provide the Advanced EHF payloads to Lockheed Martin, prime contractor for the Advanced EHF system.
Test results demonstrated antenna gain and coverage performance in excess of requirements. The downlink phased array antenna, which sends signals to ground terminals, will be the first of its kind to operate at 20 GHz in space. Advanced EHF will significantly increase capacity and connectivity over the legacy Milstar system through new phased-array antennas, advanced microelectronics, and efficient waveforms and protocols.
"The downlink phased array test was a key step in Advanced EHF payload flight production," said Gabe Watson, vice president of the Advanced EHF payload program for Northrop Grumman's Space Technology sector. "Phased array antennas are essential to our commitment to deliver protected and assured communications with increased capacity and connectivity to the U.S. military."
The Advanced EHF system will provide global, highly secure, protected, survivable communications for all warfighters serving under the U.S. Department of Defense. Lockheed Martin is currently under contract to provide three Advanced EHF satellites and the mission control system to its customer, the MILSATCOM Joint Program Office, located at the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif.
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defense company headquartered in Los Angeles, Calif. Northrop Grumman provides technologically advanced, innovative products, services and solutions in systems integration, defense electronics, information technology, advanced aircraft, shipbuilding and space technology. With more than 120,000 employees and operations in all 50 states and 25 countries, Northrop Grumman serves U.S. and international military, government and commercial customers.
CONTACT:
Bob Bishop
Northrop Grumman Space Technology
(310) 812-5227
Cell: 310.567.4919
bob.j.bishop@ngc.com
