US Space Force increases efforts to plug training capabilities gaps
The service has been seeking simulation and emulation solutions capable of reproducing multiple in-orbit threats.
Ball Aerospace will work with BAE Systems to provide multi-beam phased array antenna systems for the US Navy Network Tactical Common Data Link (NTCDL) system, the company announced on 27 February.
The NTCDL system enables multiple simultaneous, high-bandwidth communications links, to enhance current mission capability and ship protection, allowing for a future sensor network across the navy. Ball will build the Ku-band phased array antenna suite for BAE Systems.
The multi-beam planar phased array antennas are based on silicon germanium technologies on a single circuit board, which results in a low-profile antenna. The antenna will be able to communicate with a range of ISR platforms and will be installed initially on the US Navy’s aircraft carriers.
Rob Freedman, vice president and general manager, tactical solutions, Ball Aerospace, said: ‘We have worked closely with the Office of Naval Research to develop and mature the technology for these cost-effective phased array antennas which will play a critical role in the NTCDL System.
‘This is an example of how Ball's commitment to investment in technology development and collaboration with our customer is providing warfighters with a tactical advantage.’
The work represents the first phase of the programme which will lead to the low rate initial production of hardware with corresponding engineering support.
The service has been seeking simulation and emulation solutions capable of reproducing multiple in-orbit threats.
The service has been conducting several acquisition and upgrading efforts involving artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve communication, data analysis and ISR systems.
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