DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Demonstrates SATCOM On The Move Between Australia And US

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Demonstrates SATCOM On The Move Between Australia And US
>Boeing SOTM technology is a leap forward in Ka-band satellite network communication capabilities for the warfighter
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 5, 2012: Boeing [NYSE: BA] has successfully demonstrated its SATCOM on the Move (SOTM) product on a live Ka-band satellite network. The demonstration in May connected three sites in Australia and the United States using integrated voice, video, and data communications over the increased bandwidth available on the latest generation Ka-band satellite mobile terminals. This capability uses the Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) system, also developed by Boeing.

During the demonstration, High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (Humvees) fitted with cameras and handheld radios successfully connected to test labs in Australia and the United States, simultaneously combining videoconferencing with military radio and telephones. The integrated SOTM demonstration proved core elements of a seamless, secure and deployable communications system.

This latest SOTM product evolved from combat-proven technologies used by the U.S. Army during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003.

"This demonstration shows the maturity and readiness of Boeing's capabilities in the suite of services required to provide satellite communications on the move," said Kim Gillis, vice president and managing director of Boeing Defence Australia. "Our proven SOTM technology will provide defense customers with confidence that HQ on the Move capability can be achieved on the Ka-band satellite system ready for the WGS network."

Boeing Defence Australia, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company and a business unit of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, is a leading Australian aerospace enterprise. With a world-class team of about 1,300 employees at 15 locations throughout Australia and four international sites, Boeing Defence Australia supports some of the largest and most complex defense projects in Australia.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses, specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $32 billion business with 61,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

Contact:

James Baker

Boeing Defence Australia
+61 (0)7-3306-3411
james.m.baker9@boeing.com

Kohby Poole
Boeing Defence Australia
+61 (0)7-3305-1223
kohby.j.poole@boeing.com

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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DTN News - BOEING DEFENSE NEWS: 4th Boeing Wideband Global SATCOM Satellite Ready For Liftoff

DTN News - BOEING DEFENSE NEWS: 4th Boeing Wideband Global SATCOM Satellite Ready For Liftoff
>WGS-4 scheduled for Jan. 19 launch from Cape Canaveral
>Satellite 1st in Block II series that includes new radio frequency bypass
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
 (NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - January 18, 2012: Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that the fourth Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) satellite the company is delivering to the U.S. Air Force has successfully completed prelaunch testing and is ready for launch. WGS-4, the first spacecraft in the program's upgraded Block II series, is scheduled to launch at 7:38 p.m. Eastern time on Jan. 19 aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta IV vehicle from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.

The Block II satellites (WGS 4-6) add a switchable radio frequency bypass that supports the transmission of airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance imagery at data rates approximately three times greater than those currently available on Block I satellites.

"This launch will be another important step in advancing communications capabilities for U.S. warfighters and allies around the world," said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space & Intelligence Systems. "When it enters service, WGS-4 will join three other WGS satellites that deliver critical communications to help warfighters execute missions with greater safety and efficiency."

Boeing built and tested the WGS-4 spacecraft at its manufacturing facility in El Segundo. Upon arrival at Cape Canaveral on Nov. 15, the satellite was moved into a processing facility to complete a series of prelaunch tests that validated the satellite's operational readiness, including its ability to communicate with the ground control segment and launch site.

Boeing has delivered three WGS satellites and is under contract for six more, including WGS-4. They are built on the proven Boeing 702HP platform, which features highly efficient xenon-ion propulsion, deployable thermal radiators, and advanced triple-junction gallium-arsenide solar arrays that enable high-capacity, flexible payloads. The WGS communications payload has unique flexibility that is important to the military, as well as the ability to interconnect terminals that operate in different frequency bands and to reposition coverage beams based on evolving mission needs. WGS supports missions ranging from tactical communications to and between ground forces, to relaying data and imagery from airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $32 billion business with 63,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

   Photo credit: Boeing photo

Neg. #: SEF11-10875-345

Contact:

Tiffany Pitts
Space & Intelligence Systems
Office: 714-372-2307
Mobile: 714-329-3027
tiffany.l.pitts@boeing.com

Cathie Fjeseth
Space & Intelligence Systems
Office: 310-662-7762
Mobile: 310-977-3600
catherine.fjeseth@boeing.com

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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DTN News: General Dynamics’ Warrior Antenna Terminals Certified To Operate On Wideband Global SATCOM Network

DTN News: General Dynamics’ Warrior Antenna Terminals Certified To Operate On Wideband Global SATCOM Network

* Ka-band certification enables greater use of Warrior antenna terminals by the U.S. Marine Corps as part of the Support Wide Area Network (SWAN) program

Source: DTN News / General Dynamics

(NSI News Source Info) SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - August 27, 2010: – Two General Dynamics SATCOM Technologies’ Warrior antenna terminals are now certified by the U.S. Army to use the Ka-band frequency to access the Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) network, enabling warfighters to transmit and receive video, multimedia imagery and data faster and more securely.

Certification ensures that the General Dynamics Warrior 1.2 and 1.8 meter, Ka-band enabled terminals meet stringent performance and operational control requirements needed to operate on the WGS network.

The WGS network comprises a constellation of six U.S. Department of Defense satellites that provide flexible communications connectivity for U.S. military forces. Certification, completed by the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command (SMDC/ARSTRAT), enables Warrior terminals currently used by the U.S. Marine Corps as part of the Support Wide Area Network (SWAN) program to access the WGS network.

The SWAN program provides the Marines with secure and non-secure commercial-off-the-shelf satellite communications equipment that can quickly accommodate technology insertions and upgrades like the Ka-band capability.

The higher transmit and receive operating frequencies inherent to Ka-Band allow the SWAN terminals to use smaller, lighter, and more highly integrated communications capabilities than those used at Ku-Band. In addition to a smaller footprint and reduced weight, other benefits of Ka-band over Ku-band for satellite communications include: *Higher data-rate throughput for improved quality of video, voice and data communications *Reduced space segment cost through the use of the WGS system *Reduced communications interference issues due to dedicated WGS satellite access "The Warrior 1.2 and 1.8 meter terminals are composed of Very Small Aperture (VSAT) antenna subsystems, power amplifiers, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) modems, automatic tracking control and other related electronic subsystems.

Marvin Shoemake, vice president of sales for General Dynamics SATCOM Technologies, said, “The successful completion of the SMDC/ARSTRAT testing represents a major Ka-band upgrade for the SWAN program. The certification also opens the door for other government agencies, including homeland security, to have robust, beyond-line-of-sight communications using the WGS network.”

General Dynamics SATCOM Technologies, part of General Dynamics C4 Systems, is a leading supplier of emergency, strategic and tactical satellite ground terminals for reachback and range extension, including complete communications interoperability and control of fixed and mobile terminals.

Additional information about SATCOM Technology’s products and services is available on the Internet at www.gdsatcom.com.

General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 91,000 people worldwide. The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies.

More information about General Dynamics is available online at www.generaldynamics.com.

*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News, contact: dtnnews@ymail

DTN News: Boeing WGS Satellite Program Wins National Space Club Award

DTN News: Boeing WGS Satellite Program Wins National Space Club Award Source: DTN News / Boeing

(NSI News Source Info) El SEGUNDO, Calif.,- March 15, 2010: Boeing [NYSE: BA] has won the National Space Club's 2010 Nelson P. Jackson Award for fielding the first three Wideband Global SATCOM spacecraft, the highest-capacity military communications satellites in the U.S. Department of Defense arsenal. Boeing representatives accepted the honor March 12 at the 53rd annual Goddard Memorial Dinner in Washington, D.C. The National Space Club is a nonprofit organization that fosters excellence in space activities by promoting interaction between industry and government. The Nelson P. Jackson Award, named after the club's founder, is presented for outstanding contributions in the fields of space, missiles or aircraft. Each WGS satellite has more than 10 times the capacity of a Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) III satellite, the system WGS will eventually replace. WGS-1 was launched in 2007; WGS-2 and WGS-3 were launched in 2009. The three spacecraft are exceeding all customer payload requirements as they provide high-performance broadband communications to U.S. warfighters and their allies in the major theaters of operation around the world. "Under the WGS contract, Boeing has delivered three satellites to the Air Force that are already providing critical service to the warfighter," said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems. "With a total of six satellites under contract, Boeing is meeting and exceeding all financial and schedule commitments on the WGS program, so it's gratifying to see the program achieve this industry honor. "Because of the capabilities provided by WGS, the Department of Defense has seen a fivefold increase in satellite communications bandwidth worldwide. We're working closely with our Air Force teammates to continue improving the system and help warfighters execute missions with greater safety and effectiveness." WGS satellites provide significantly greater throughput and flexibility over legacy and commercial systems, and include reconfigurable antenna spot beams that can bring broadband communications to remote regions. WGS-4, WGS-5 and WGS-6, planned for launch in calendar years 2011 and 2012, will include a radio frequency bypass enhancement that supports airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions requiring higher data rates. The Air Force recently requested a proposal from Boeing for options for six additional WGS satellites. A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $34 billion business with 68,000 employees worldwide.

DTN News: 3rd Boeing-Built WGS Satellite Passes On-Orbit Tests; Air Force Accepts Control Of Spacecraft

DTN News: 3rd Boeing-Built WGS Satellite Passes On-Orbit Tests; Air Force Accepts Control Of Spacecraft Source: DTN News / Boeing (NSI News Source Info) EL SEGUNDO, Calif., - March 3, 2010: Boeing [NYSE: BA] announced yesterday (March 2) that the U.S. Air Force accepted control of the third Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) military communications satellite on March 1, after the spacecraft passed several weeks of rigorous on-orbit tests. WGS is the U.S. Department of Defense’s highest-capacity satellite communications system. WGS-3 completes the initial constellation of three spacecraft, which will provide broadband communications to every theater of operation around the world. “Knowledge is power, especially on the battlefield, where the ability to quickly communicate large amounts of information can make a world of difference to mission success,” said Air Force Col. Don Robbins, WGS Group Commander. “With their wide bandwidth and high throughput, WGS satellites are game-changers that give our warfighters a distinct advantage.” Boeing is building three more WGS satellites under Block II of its contract with the Air Force. The Block II satellites will include performance boosters such as a radio frequency bypass designed to support airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms requiring additional bandwidth. “We’re working with the Air Force to develop cost-effective solutions to the crucial communications challenges facing U.S. warfighters, such as mobile communications, secure and jam-resistant communications, and enhanced support to advanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations,” said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager, Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems. “We’re showing that future WGS satellites can be efficiently evolved to meet those challenges, and we have a proven, high-performing team of Air Force and Boeing personnel in place to make it happen.” WGS-3 was launched on Dec. 5, 2009, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., aboard a Delta IV rocket. On-orbit testing demonstrated the functionality of WGS-3’s communications payload features by passing test signals through each of the satellite’s 19 antenna beams. The tests also verified WGS-3’s beam-steering functions. Boeing employees conducted the tests at the company’s Mission Control Center in El Segundo, with support from Air Force and Army personnel at the center and at government facilities in central California. Air Force operations personnel at Schriever Air Force Base in Colorado are conducting additional tests and moving WGS-3 into its operational position over the Atlantic Ocean. The satellite is expected to become operational this spring. WGS-1 and WGS-2 are operating over the Pacific Ocean and the Middle East, respectively. WGS-4, -5 and -6 will be ready for launch in 2011 and 2012. A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world’s largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $34 billion business with 68,000 employees worldwide.

DTN News: Boeing's 4th WGS Satellite Passes Key Integration Milestone

DTN News: Boeing's 4th WGS Satellite Passes Key Integration Milestone *Source: DTN News / Boeing (NSI News Source Info) EL SEGUNDO, Calif., - February 8, 2010: Boeing [NYSE: BA] in late December successfully integrated the satellite bus and payload module for the fourth of six Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) satellites the company is building for the U.S. Air Force. WGS-4's broadband communications payload was mated with a high-power Boeing 702 platform at the company's Satellite Development Center in El Segundo, the world's largest satellite-manufacturing facility. Over the next few months, the WGS team will conduct final integration activities followed by rigorous environmental testing, including vibration and thermal-vacuum tests. "With the mating of these modules, all bus and payload equipment for WGS-4 has completed integration and testing," said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager, Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems. "This milestone capped a great year for the WGS program, which included launching two satellites less than eight months apart. The WGS team continues to perform at the highest levels and maintain its strong momentum." WGS is the U.S. Department of Defense's highest-capacity communications satellite system, providing fast, flexible, broadband communications for U.S. warfighters and their allies around the world. WGS-4 is the first of three satellites to be built under the Block II contract. The Block II satellites include performance-boosting enhancements such as a radio frequency bypass designed to support airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms requiring additional bandwidth. WGS-4, -5 and -6 are scheduled to launch in 2011 or 2012. WGS-1 and WGS-2, launched in October 2007 and April 2009, respectively, have been accepted into service and are meeting or exceeding all mission requirements. WGS-3, launched in December, is undergoing on-orbit testing and is expected to go into service in April. WGS satellites are built on the proven Boeing 702 platform, which uses a highly efficient xenon-ion propulsion capability. The communications payload provides reconfigurable coverage areas and the ability to connect X-band and Ka-band users anywhere within the satellite's field of view via an onboard digital channelizer -- features that enhance security and mission flexibility, and are not available on any other communications satellite. A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space and Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $34 billion business with 68,000 employees worldwide.