Next-Generation Battlefield Communications
The Navy says a team led by Lockheed
Martin has won the competition to build the Mobile User Objective
System (MUOS), a next-generation narrowband tactical satellite
communications system that will provide significantly improved and
assured communications for the mobile warfighter.
"Lockheed Martin is proud to be selected as the US Navy's
partner for this vital system," said G. Thomas Marsh, executive
vice president, Lockheed Martin Space Systems. "Our innovative
solution leverages the team's extensive communications satellite
experience to help the DoD deliver net-centric capabilities for the
US military. We will now focus on building and integrating this
innovative, capable, and flexible next-generation tactical
communications system on schedule and on cost."
This win enables the team of Lockheed Martin Space Systems,
Sunnyvale (CA), General Dynamics C4 Systems, Scottsdale (AZ), and
Boeing Satellite Systems (BSS), El Segundo (CA) to produce the
first two satellites and associated ground control elements . The
contract also provides for options on 3 additional spacecraft. With
all options exercised, the contract for up to five satellites has a
total potential value of $ 3.26 billion.
MUOS will replace the current narrowband tactical satellite
communications system known as the Ultra High Frequency Follow-On
(UFO) system. With Lockheed Martin's design, MUOS satellites will
be fully compatible with the existing UFO system and associated
legacy terminals while dramatically increasing military
communications availability and providing simultaneous voice, data
and video in real time to mobile warfighters around the globe. MUOS
will also maximize the full feature capability of the future Joint
Tactical Radio Systems (JTRS) terminals. Anticipated launch date
for the first MUOS satellite is planned for 2010.
General Dynamics C4 Systems will lead the user-entry and
integrated ground segments of the MUOS program, supplying a secure
ground network, satellite control and network management, and a
JTRS-compliant terminal solution. BSS will provide a significant
portion of the UHF payload capability. Harris Corporation will
supply the MUOS spacecraft antenna. The team also includes Northrop
Grumman.
"We are very excited to be given the opportunity to apply our
longstanding UHF SATCOM heritage to the end users of MUOS," said
Ron Taylor, a vice president of General Dynamics C4 Systems. "We
understand the needs of warfighters on the move and will leverage
our experience in network systems to bring them leading edge
features in the MUOS infrastructure."
"Throughout our 15-year partnership with the US Navy to develop
and deploy the UFO satellite fleet, we have witnessed great
leadership from the Navy in providing vital global communications
services to Armed Forces personnel worldwide," said Dave Ryan, vice
president and general manager of Boeing Satellite Systems. "Through
this partnership with Lockheed Martin, we look forward to once
again working with our Navy customer to deliver an integrated
solution for the MUOS mission."