Northrop Grumman has completed flight-testing of an airborne satellite communications system installed on a modified business jet aircraft to connect with a WGS via the Ka-band link, the company announced May 25.
    The system, part of a network that aims to enhance communications capabilities for warfighters, represents the first airborne terminal system to be certified for connection to the Wideband Global Satellite (WGS).
    The test is the second of three phases required to certify the airborne communications system for WGS operations. Northrop Grumman is performing the certification under its 30-month, $69 million Multi-Role Tactical Common Data Link (MR-TCDL) Developmental and Operational Test program contract with U.S. Strategic Command.