Raytheon demonstrates new secure waveform

An unclassified but secure waveform has been used by Raytheon to transmit sensitive data through small, low-cost satellite terminals as part of a demonstration effort to make military satellite communications more affordable yet still highly secure.

The goal is to show that this approach could allow front-line tactical users, such as forward deployed forces or remotely piloted aircraft, to execute missions more securely and reliably than is now done in environments where communications can be jammed.

Raytheon’s demonstration used a small, lightweight, low-cost modem to show that key elements of the protected tactical waveform are similar to Advanced Extremely High Frequency, one of the military's most complex, and can be used to provide an affordable protected tactical solution.

Scott Whatmough, vice president of Integrated Communication Systems in Raytheon's Space and Airborne Systems business, said: ‘As the only provider of AEHF production satellite terminals to the military, Raytheon leveraged its protected military satellite communications leadership to meet the affordability, security and flexibility challenge.’

According to the company, key cost benefits and modem features were identified and demonstrated allowing for flexibility across frequency bands that will provide tactical users the communications protection they need at affordable prices using existing and future satellites. The new tactical waveform can operate on a variety of bands including Q, X and Ka. It provides secure, anti-jam, low probability of intercept capabilities not available today on unprocessed or unprotected satellites.

The waveform demonstration is part of a three phase US Air Force study known as the Design for Affordability and Risk Reduction.