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
-
Eurosatory 2026: MBDA and Thales look to civilian industry for loitering munition scale-up
Thales and MBDA have taken steps to ensure the mass production of their respective loitering munition offerings at Eurosatoy, teaming with civilian manufacturers. These moves come amid France’s push towards sovereign drone production and continued market expansion.
-
Only 25% of the US Pentagon’s F-35 fleet has been fully mission capable, GAO says
The fighter jet remains a combat necessity, but sustainment challenges continue to limit its readiness. In the meantime, the US Air Force seeks billions in funding to improve the F-35's availability.
-
Eurosatory 2026: How the deep-strike, loitering munition market skyrocketed to $13.8 billion in three years
Ukraine’s rapid development of long-range, deep-strike loitering munitions has helped turn the sector into a market worth an estimated US$13.2 billion. The reasons behind this were outlined during Eurosatory 2026, as other countries embark on the early stages of procuring this capability.
-
Eurosatory 2026: Why security agencies are expanding UAS operations across Europe
Uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) are an increasingly important tool for Europe’s law enforcement and public security agencies, with the past two years seeing rapid growth in operational deployment, procurement and regulatory acceptance.
-
Fuselage of the first US Army MV-75 Cheyenne tiltrotor “is nearing completion”
Bell is advancing construction of the US Army’s next-generation MV-75 Cheyenne tiltrotor as FLRAA programme approaches testing, production and future battlefield deployment.
-
Eurosatory 2026: L3Harris prepares ground for future Polish AEW&C replacement
L3Harris is positioning its AERIS X aircraft and a planned Polish industrial partnership as it anticipates a competition to replace Poland’s Saab 340 fleet.