Raytheon submits GASNT proposal to USAF

Raytheon announced on 23 January that it has submitted its proposal to build the US Air Force’s (USAF) Global Aircrew Strategic Network Terminal (GASNT). The company will draw on its experience in providing Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) satellite communications terminals to the US Army, US Navy and the USAF for the bid.

GASNT is a nuclear command and control system that will use both Extremely High Frequency (EHF) and AEHF waveforms to provide protected communications in difficult environments. The terminal will provide wing command posts and mobile support teams with survivable communications to send and receive alerts, called Emergency Action Messages. GASNT will enhance the existing system by delivering increased capacity and capability.

Scott Whatmough, vice president of Integrated Communication Systems for Raytheon's Network Centric Systems business, said: ‘With a 30-year history in highly secure satellite communications terminals, Raytheon is well positioned to provide the air force with reliable, efficient, cost-effective terminals to handle one of the nation's most sensitive and important communications needs.’

The GASNT contract is expected to be awarded in June 2013.