Raytheon to produce LLC 7M encryptor
Raytheon will produce next-generation encryption devices to protect military tactical data transmissions under a $32 million contract announced on 21 December.
The system to be supplied is the Link Level Communication Security 7M (LLC 7M) encryptor, designed to enhance security for air, surface, sub-surface and ground communications over the Link 22 tactical radio system.
The LLC 7M has received National Security Agency Type 1 certification for the protection of information classified up to the Secret level in the Link 22 environment. Link 22 replaces the legacy Link 11 radio system, and is interoperable with the current Link 16 system, providing longer-distance, beyond-line-of-sight communications without reliance on satellites or persistent airborne relay.
The LLC 7M is being developed as part of the NATO Improved Link Eleven, or NILE project, which includes international partners Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK.
Chuck Schwartz, project manager for SPAWAR's NILE project office, said: ‘With the signing of the LLC 7M production contract, and its ability to seamlessly integrate with Link 16, the Link 22 system is now ready for prime time. We expect the system to eventually be adopted by more than 30 allied nations.’
Raytheon's contract includes a five-year base performance period with an additional five-year option. If exercised, the option could bring the cumulative value of the contract to $63 million.
More from Digital Battlespace
-
EU Commission invites tenders for new satellite constellation with military applications
The European Commission has launched an invitation tender for a contract to implement the EU satellite constellation dubbed IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite).
-
New US developer LightRidge to take on air and space sensor markets
The private-equity backed firm combines the businesses of space payloads specialist GEOST and airborne sensor manufacturer Ophir.
-
Northrop Grumman to commence work on MESA sensors for US Air Force E-7 AEW fleet
The USAF will become the fifth operator of the E-7/MESA combination following Australia, Turkey, South Korea and the UK.
-
Northrop Grumman details bid for US Navy TACAMO aircraft replacement
The company believes its role as prime contractor on the E-2 Hawkeye puts it in a strong position for the programme to replace the USN's Boeing E-6 Mercury fleet.
-
Northrop Grumman hones US Space Force satellite design in virtual environment
The company has applied its Highly Immersive Virtual Environment technology to the design process of polar overwatch satellites ordered by the US Space Force.