Northrop Grumman advances airborne connectivity for US Air Force
SPOC supports a low-SWaP radio that is scalable, upgradable and flexible to fit on different platforms. (Image: Northrop Grumman)
Northrop Grumman has carried out a flight test of its Software Programmable Open Mission Systems Compliant (SPOC) multifunction processor for the US Air Force, highlighting the ability to integrate current and future platforms using data links.
'With the maturity of our technology, we have the solutions today that will provide unparalleled mission effectiveness,' said VP communications solutions Jenna Paukstis. 'We are connecting platforms that will benefit the joint force and provide them with real-time battlespace awareness across air, space, land and sea.'
SPOC supports a low-SWaP radio that is scalable, upgradable and flexible to fit on different platforms. The SPOC design also provides an integration environment for communications that can reduce cost, risk and time to deploy.
Related Articles
USAF seeks more Link 16 installation work for HC-130Js
ELTA Systems launches new airborne radio for network-centric operations
Northrop Grumman details bid for US Navy TACAMO aircraft replacement
Installed aboard Northrop Grumman’s airborne testbed flown from NAS Patuxent River, SPOC connected with a ground station in a live, over-the-air test using advanced waveforms.
The test flight is part of a USAF contract to develop and demonstrate a solution to help define the air force’s next generation radio approach.
More from Air Warfare
-
Brazilian Air Force conducts first live fire of Meteor missile from Gripen E
The major milestone for the beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile was conducted in November and expands the capabilities of the air force’s growing Gripen E fleet.
-
India finally powers up engine production as it prepares to talk platforms with Putin
Engine technology has been thrust into the spotlight ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India this week, with the Su-57, S-400 and Kamov-226 expected to be high on the agenda.
-
Leonardo’s Proteus concludes ground tests with maiden flight on horizon
The technology demonstrator forms part of a wider effort to help the Royal Navy explore the potential of uncrewed systems supporting its existing crewed aviation platforms.
-
Airbus MQ-72C Lakota Connector progress on track ahead of pending USMC decision
The MQ-7C uncrewed aircraft is currently undergoing further internal flight tests ahead of a government test event anticipated for next year.
-
November Drone Digest: GA-ASI eyes Middle East for Gambit, Edge Group unveils new UAVs
In November 2025, GA-ASI unveiled a new Gambit variant, the Gambit 6, and appears to be pitching the aircraft series to various customers in the Middle East, which is a fast-emerging CCA market. The Dubai Airshow also saw the unveiling of various Emirati aircraft from Edge Group.
-
Baykar’s Kizilelma drone makes progress with first air-to-air kill
This test is the latest milestone achieved by the indigenous drone, destroying a target using a beyond-visual-range missile.