Raytheon receives troposcatter comms contract
Raytheon has been selected to deliver new troposcatter communication systems to the US Army as part of a ten-year, IDIQ contract worth up to $663 million, the company announced on 1 May.
Troposcatter technology uses particles that make up the Earth’s atmosphere as a reflector for radio signals. Those signals are aimed just above the horizon in the direction of a receiver station. As they pass through the troposphere, some of the energy is scattered back toward the Earth, allowing the receiver station to pick up the signal. It creates a secure communications network without the need for cellular towers or satellites.
The capability will ensure that soldiers have access to secure voice and data communications in contested and satellite-denied environments.
Delivery of the first units will begin by the end of 2019.