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Northrop Grumman Reinvents Satellite Communications for Aircraft
[December 17, 2013]

Northrop Grumman Reinvents Satellite Communications for Aircraft


(ENP Newswire Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) ENP Newswire - 17 December 2013 Release date- 13122013 - MOJAVE, Calif. - In one year, Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) took a satellite communications system normally used in space and transformed it into a high-functioning, low-cost communications system that can be used on aircraft.



The satellite communications (SATCOM) system was successfully demonstrated on board the company's Firebird demonstrator aircraft. Until now, no small communications system has been able to send sensor data to a satellite and back to a ground station at such a high rate of transfer.

'It's a game changer for those that need high-quality, real-time data, but don't want to - or can't - have a large, heavy communications system onboard,' said Brett Amidon, director of Technology Development at Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems. 'Our system provides beyond line of sight capabilities in a compact, lightweight, low-profile package.' During the demonstration, the SATCOM system rapidly provided full-motion video to the ground. For demo purposes, the system and associated test equipment were housed within a pylon-mounted structure attached to the top of the Firebird fuselage.


The system's small size saves a great deal of space, allowing more sensor payloads and equipment to be carried by the aircraft.

Northrop Grumman developed the SATCOM system using Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology, which first gained attention as the source of brightly colored LED lights. GaN allows for high communications output while using very little physical space.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems, cyber, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.

Contact: Caitlin O'Connor Tel: 858-618-3631 Email: [email protected] Amy Akmal Tel: 424-254-6945 Email: [email protected] [Editorial queries for this story should be sent to [email protected]] ((Comments on this story may be sent to [email protected])) (c) 2013 Electronic News Publishing -

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