Sub HDR is a communication system that connects submariners to the above sea world by giving them for the first time high data rate, multi-band SATCOM capability. Sailors deploy Sub HDR by raising a mast-mounted antenna above the ocean's surface, while the boat remains submerged-and stealthy-at periscope depth.
The system connects to the Global Broadcast Service, the Milstar satellite constellation, and the Defense Satellite Communication System to send and receive mission-critical information such as secure wideband multi-media, voice and data traffic, imagery and video teleconferencing.
Sub HDR enables underwater forces to be full participants in coordinated fleet battle group and FORCEnet operations.
To date, Raytheon has developed and delivered more than 50 Sub HDRs under contracts worth more than $160 million. Its customers include: Newport News Shipyard, for the first build of Virginia Class submarines; Electric Boat Corporation, for the second build of Virginia Class submarines; and the U.S. Navy Program Executive Office for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence and Space, for existing classes of United States and United Kingdom submarines.
The Virginia Class is the next-generation U.S. attack submarine and the first class designed for a broad spectrum of missions including regional, littoral, and open-ocean or "blue water" combat.
Virginia Class submarines have two Sub HDR masts that allow simultaneous communication at Super High Frequency (SHF) and Extremely High Frequency (EHF). This capability increases naval warfighters' connectivity which results in increased lethality.