SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., March 8 (UPI) -- General Dynamics finished the Critical Design Review on the ground system and terminal software for the U.S. MUOS military satellite communications system.
The milestone allows the company to pass the segments on to Lockheed Martin, the prime contractor for the MUOS (Mobile User Objective System) project.
MUOS is the United States' next-generation narrowband satellite communications system for military units on the move. The system travels by truck and supplies a secure end-to-end satcomm link with the legacy Ultra High Frequency Follow-on (UFO) satellites and the Wideband Code Division Multiple Access satellite.
General Dynamics C4 Systems in Arizona described the system as one in which the satellites act as "towers" that will facilitate cellphone-like communications for ground troops virtually anywhere in the world. Analysts say it will provide rapid and encrypted voice, video and data transmissions regardless of weather and other factors such as foliage and tall buildings.
The MUOS spacecraft will eventually replace the Navy UFO system and link with the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) as well.
"As the prime integrator of the MUOS ground system, our extensive systems and software engineering capabilities are enabling us to efficiently and effectively modify commercial- off-the-shelf, third-generation cellular technology for the modern warfighter," General Dynamics Vice President John Weidman said in a news release late Wednesday.
