PALMDALE, Calif., May 10 (UPI) -- An antenna system being developed for the U.S. Air Force will significantly enhance the capability of secure communications for B-2 Spirit bomber.
Northrop Grumman, recently awarded a $372 million contract for the advanced electronically scanned array antenna system, said it will allow the stealth bombers to send and receive battlefield information securely by satellite up to 100 times faster than currently.
The system is part of Increment 2 of the B-2 extremely high frequency satellite communications program.
"Our work on the EHF antenna system takes full advantage of Northrop Grumman's expertise not only in B-2 advancement but also in satellite communications," said Dave Mazur, vice president of long range strike and B-2 program manager for Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems sector.
"This important enhancement will ensure that the B-2 retains its strategic communications capabilities well into the future."
Under terms of contract, the company will complete the preliminary design of the AESA antenna system, demonstrate technology readiness and prove its functionality using hardware prototypes.
The required engineering design, manufacturing, assembly, integration and test activities will take place at company facilities in California and Ohio, as well as at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma.
The three-increment EHF Satcom program is part of an ongoing effort by the Air Force and Northrop Grumman to keep the B-2 fully mission capable against evolving enemy threats.
Increment 1 includes enhancements to the aircraft's processing and communications infrastructure. Increment 2 involves installation of a new communications terminal and the AESA antenna. Increment 3 will integrate the B-2 into the U.S. Department of Defense's Global Information Grid, a worldwide network of information systems, processes and personnel involved in collecting, storing, managing and disseminating information on demand to warfighters, policy makers and military support personnel.
