This vision requires high data rate, wideband satellite communications (SATCOM) operating at extremely high frequencies. This also requires low-cost SATCOM terminals and an efficient, scalable system that is compact and maximizes available power for the transmit distances needed by warfighters.

Northrop Grumman developed an extra-high-frequency, solid-state power amplifier (EHF SSPA) capable of attaining high power output in a small form factor. The company also demonstrated that the design was scalable to higher power levels. These factors are crucial for Army on-the-move systems.

In developing the power amplifier, Northrop Grumman used low-loss combiner techniques coupled with advanced low-cost module technology to provide the best blend of high-output power, high efficiency and low recurring cost.

"We were looking for innovative technologies in this effort for reducing amplifier size and weight and improving affordability for SATCOM on-the-move systems," said John Nilsen of the Army's Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Command. "The successes we had brought us closer to realizing high data rate, integrated voice, video and data at the Humvee and Future Combat Systems (FCS) vehicle level."

Highly Mobile Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs), known as Humvees, and FCS vehicles are important mobile and agile elements of the Army's Future Force. Small, affordable, multiband SATCOM on-the-move capabilities are essential for enabling full network-centric connectivity on these platforms where available size, weight, power and cost are extremely limited.

Northrop Grumman's EHF SSPA was developed under the Army Communications-Electronics Research Development and Engineering Command to meet specific Program Manager, Warfighter Information Network -- Tactical (PM WIN-T), High-Capacity Communications Capability (HC3) objectives. The Army's PM WIN-T office is leading the HC3 effort to ensure the efficient network-centric operations of future information nodes and terminals.

Northrop Grumman Space Technology has been the recognized leader of software-defined radios and associated technologies for more than two decades.

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Northrop Grumman Corporation