News From Washington
EMS Technologies Delivers Major Antenna Components for Advanced EHF System
The Department of Defense's Advanced EHF satellite system, which will provide secure, high speed communications to the US and allied forces worldwide, is a step closer to reality, following EMS Technologies' successful demonstration and delivery of the engineering model of the beam-forming network (BFN) for the satellite's sophisticated antennas.
The engineering model, delivered ahead of schedule to Northrop Grumman Corp., replicates the size and performance of the actual flight unit, but contains some non-space-qualified parts. The BFN enables the satellite's highly sophisticated nulling antenna to form a shaped pattern on earth that "nulls," or cancels out, signals from jammers, while at the same time letting friendly users within the area of coverage communicate with the satellite. The nulling occurs autonomously, without command from earth.
"The BFN's performance met all critical requirements, making it the first major payload component to complete the critical design review milestone. Hardware development of other advanced EHF components is not far behind," said Clayton Kau, vice president of Northrop Grumman Space Technology and AEHF program manager.
Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Create Company for Development of Netfires
Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Co. have formed Netfires LLC, a limited liability company to pursue missile and launcher development and production for the Non Line of Sight - Launch System (NLOS-LS), also known as Netfires. Products under development include a Loitering Attack Missile (LAM), a Precision Attack Missile (PAM) and an autonomous Container Launch Unit.
Both companies are under contract by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to demonstrate elements of the NLOS-LS weapon system. Elements include prototypes of a LAM, PAM and launcher. Although the two missiles have significantly different mission profiles, the objective is that they both operate as part of a system that includes a common launcher. Developing the systems together will enhance component as well as command and control commonality throughout the NLOS-LS. Additionally, the LLC will offer a single source for NLOS-LS development and production for the Army's new NLOS-LS task force. The two companies will jointly manage the LLC.
Raytheon and Lockheed Martin have a history of successfully working together on such programs as the US Army's Javelin anti-armor weapon. The two companies announced in February a teaming agreement to pursue the US Navy's Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) Block II program.
The NLOS-LS weapon system will provide non-line-of-sight fires for the Army's Future Combat Systems and has been a DARPA-managed technology development program since 1997 when the program was completed and known as the Advanced Fire Support System. Under the current program, which includes combined DARPA - Army Science and Technology funding, flight tests of LAM and PAM prototypes will continue through the calendar year 2003. Existing Army risk reduction contracts at both Lockheed Martin and Raytheon will be rolled over into the LLC. The NLOS-LS system design and demonstration is on schedule to begin in the fiscal year 2004. The LAM is an expendable loitering, hunter-killer, that is seven inches in diameter and weighs about 100 pounds. It is capable of searching a large area using a laser radar (LADAR) seeker with automatic target recognition. It will have a 45-minute cruise capability using a micro turbojet engine and a warhead payload.
The PAM is a low cost direct attack missile that is also seven inches in diameter and weighs about 100 pounds and will provide a wide range of support, from 0.5 to 50 kilometers. It will include a variable thrust solid rocket motor, dual-mode precision uncooled infrared/semi-active laser seeker and a large multi-mode warhead.
Northrop Grumman, Boeing and Raytheon Announce Teaming Agreement
Northrop Grumman Corp., The Boeing Co. and Raytheon Co. officials agreed to work together in developing the US Air Force's E-10A Multi-sensor Command and Control Aircraft (MC2A). This innovative teaming agreement covers the Weapon System Integration (WSI) efforts for the E-10A, which provides an enhanced airborne ground surveillance and cruise missile defense capability to the war fighter.
Increment 1 of the Air Force's evolutionary acquisition program for the E-10A provides for an advanced airborne ground surveillance and cruise missile defense capability. It uses the Northrop Grumman/Raytheon Multi-platform Radar Technology Insertion Program (MP-RTIP) radar sensor coupled with a Battle Management Command and Control (BMC2) system that is being completed later this year. The teaming agreement covers the overall WSI contract, which is expected to be a sole source award.
Under the agreement, Northrop Grumman is anticipated to be the prime contractor and will be responsible for the overall program management and system engineering, mission system design, system integration, and flight test and airframe modification.
Primary responsibilities for Boeing include major structural modification design and kits, air vehicle analysis, and performance assessments and airworthiness testing. It is also anticipated that Boeing will be producing the 767-400ER airframe for the E-10A test bed under a separate contract with the government.
In addition, the teaming agreement anticipates that Boeing will take the lead for any Increment 2 analysis and subsequent activities, should the government decide to proceed with an additional increment. Increment 2 is not currently funded, but if implemented, is expected to support Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) with increased BMC2 functionality.
Raytheon's primary responsibilities include radar and radome installation, the self-protection system and support to system engineering, system integration and test for the cruise missile defense functionality.
Harris Corp. Awarded $2.3 M for Innovative Space-based Antenna Technology
Harris Corp., a leading supplier of satellite communications systems for government and commercial applications worldwide, announced that it has been awarded a one-year, $2.3 M follow-on contract by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Special Projects Office, Washington, DC, and the US Air Force Research Lab's (AFRL) Sensors Directorate, Rome, NY, to continue to study the development of an advanced space-borne antenna system for the Innovative Space-based Radar Antenna Technology (ISAT) study.
Harris recently completed the first phase of the contract, valued at $2.5 M, in which it successfully developed an innovative concept of a light weight, space-based, extremely large deployable radar antenna designed to address tactical tracking of moving targets on the ground. The second phase of the contract provides for the definition of additional technology that supports the design and for recommendations regarding a launch demonstration unit. Ultimately, ISAT will help provide a solution to the challenge of integrating Space-based Radar (SBR) and a Moving Target Indication from Space (MTIS).
"We are extremely pleased to continue our work on the ISAT program," said Bob Henry, senior vice president, Harris Corp. and president, Harris Government Communications Systems Division (GCSD). "Harris has long been a leading supplier of advanced antenna technology and capability, and the ISAT initiative, combined with our work on the SBR, positions Harris well for growth in state-of-the-art space-borne equipment and payloads."