The on-orbit testing displayed AEHF-2’s interoperability with the existing Milstar constellation and established communications networks at the new AEHF extended data rates (XDR) as well as between combinations of EHF communications terminals with legacy Milstar data rates.

The AEHF system aims to deliver greatly improved global, survivable, highly secure, protected communications for strategic command and tactical warfighters operating on ground, sea and air platforms. The system serves international partners as well such as Canada, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. AEHF is designed to not only permit transmission of tactical military communications, but also aims to deliver the survivable, protected, and endurable communications links to national leaders.

“The U.S. Air Force, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman AEHF team performed a thorough and efficient on orbit test campaign for this critical satellite, and AEHF-2 is performing exceptionally well,” Lockheed Martin Vice President and AEHF Program Manager Mark Calassa said in a statement. “With the first two AEHF satellites now on orbit, the Department of Defense is well on its way to augmenting, improving and expanding its critical military satellite communications architecture to meet increasing demand from users worldwide.”

Under contract to deliver four AEHF satellites and the Mission Control Segment, Lockheed Martin has completed work on AEHF-3 scheduled for a September 2013 launch and has begun advanced procurement of long-lead components for the fifth and sixth AEHF satellites.