[Satellite TODAY 7-8-13] Northrop Grumman has taken another step to reduce the risks and costs associated with producing an extremely high frequency (EHF) satellite communications system for the U.S. Air Force’s B-2 stealth bomber.

 

     On May 23, Northrop Grumman demonstrated how a new active electronically scanned array (AESA) antenna the company developed for the B-2 can establish and maintain communications services with an on-orbit Air Force Advanced EHF (AEHF) communications satellite. The demo included the antenna, a Navy Multi-band Terminal and the satellite.

 

     An EHF satellite communications system would allow the B-2 to send and receive battlefield information significantly faster than its current satellite communications system. The new antenna is designed to support both tactical and strategic missions. Its innovative "no radome" design allows it to bring new communications capabilities to the B-2 while maintaining the aircraft’s major operational characteristics. Earlier this year, tests verified the antenna’s performance over its entire transmit and receive frequency band, and over its required range of scan angles.

 

     The B-2 can help protect U.S. interests anywhere in the world and can fly more than 6,000 nautical miles unrefueled and more than 10,000 nautical miles with just one aerial refueling, giving it the ability to reach any point on the globe within hours, according to a written statement from Northrop Grumman.