The modernization effort includes Phase 3 of the Mobile User Objective Service/Cryptographic Modernization (MUOS/CM) upgrade program, which significantly increases satellite capacity for soldiers. The Phase 3 software upgrade allows Raytheon to complete MUOS/CM design tasks and prepare for Phase 4 qualification testing in 2013.

Raytheon has planned full-rate production for 2015.

   “The ARC-231 radio system has proven to be a very capable, high performing, multi-function radio set that adapts to changing application requirements with only software upgrades,” Raytheon’s Network Centric Systems Senior Program Manager David Patton said in a statement. “Because the equipment upgrades are backward compatible with existing equipment installations, minimal platform changes are required. This approach simplifies aircraft integration tasks and reduces upgrade costs.”

   MUOS aims to replace the aging constellation of UHF follow-on communications satellites.