Integration of the payload module for the fourth Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) protected communications satellite. Photo: Northrop Grumman, by Alex Evers

[Via Satellite 12-09-2014] Northrop Grumman has delivered the payload for the Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) 4 satellite, approximately four and a half weeks ahead of schedule, to prime contractor Lockheed Martin. The companies are using a hybrid satellite integration and test approach developed by Lockheed Martin and the United States Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center. The method enables Lockheed Martin to begin satellite bus unit integration while Northrop Grumman concurrently completes the payload integration.

“This hybrid approach is providing an overall reduction in program cost and schedule,” said Stuart Linsky, vice president, communication programs, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. “We fully expect to see these savings on flights 5 and 6 as well.”

Each AEHF satellite provides more capacity than the five satellites that comprised the legacy Milstar constellation. The AEHF 4 satellite is slated to launch in 2017.