Northrop demonstrates new PTW processor

Northrop Grumman has successfully demonstrated a space-design Protected Tactical Waveform (PTW) processor, the company announced on 15 April.

The PTW processor has up to 20 times higher data rate, four times greater spectral efficiency and bandwidth-on-demand for improved warfighter communications.

The testing was part of the US Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center's MILSATCOM Design for Affordability Risk Reduction effort with MIT/Lincoln Labs. During the tests, the processor communicated using the tactical waveform developed by the air force that builds on the XDR extended data rate waveform from the Advanced Extremely High Frequency programme.

The demonstration platform consisted of flight-representative Technology Readiness Level Six hardware, firmware and software that can be used in a near-term flight programme. It is a fully integrated subsystem with multi-channel demodulators, Ethernet-based packet switching, high-data-rate modulators, and the associated control software.

After the completion of government-defined modem tests, Northrop Grumman's team performed additional testing, including the connection of multiple terminal emulators in an end-to-end configuration with complete forward and return processing and Ethernet switching. In addition, the team demonstrated the response of the bandwidth-on-demand software to a multi-user loading environment.

Tim Frei, vice president, communication systems, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems, said: 'While PTW provides substantial new capabilities for the warfighter, a waveform alone does not provide protection.

'The real value of PTW is when it is integrated into an architecture with comprehensive protection including space-based processing, non-commercial frequency bands, crosslinks and other key protection features in the antenna and radio frequency processing chains.'

Frei added: 'Northrop Grumman has maximised the value of this contract to the government by treating it not simply as a concept demonstration, but rather as true risk reduction and prototype development consistent with our standard development process for flight units. Each dollar spent developing the demonstration platform for this effort has directly reduced the future cost of an eventual flight unit.'