Sun, Dec 22, 2013
Says System Will Provided Full-Motion Video To Ground Stations Via Satellite
In one year, Northrop Grumman Corporation took a satellite communications system normally used in space and transformed it into what the company says is a high-functioning, low-cost communications system that can be used on aircraft. The satellite communications (SATCOM) system was successfully demonstrated on board the company's Firebird demonstrator aircraft. Until now, no small communications system has been able to send sensor data to a satellite and back to a ground station at such a high rate of transfer.
"It's a game changer for those that need high-quality, real-time data, but don't want to – or can't – have a large, heavy communications system onboard," said Brett Amidon, director of Technology Development at Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems. "Our system provides beyond line of sight capabilities in a compact, lightweight, low-profile package."
During the demonstration, the SATCOM system rapidly provided full-motion video to the ground. For demo purposes, the system and associated test equipment were housed within a pylon-mounted structure attached to the top of the Firebird fuselage. The system's small size saves a great deal of space, allowing more sensor payloads and equipment to be carried by the aircraft.
Northrop Grumman developed the SATCOM system using Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology, which first gained attention as the source of brightly colored LED lights. GaN allows for high communications output while using very little physical space.
(Firebird aircraft photo provided by Northrop Grumman Corp)
More News
Also: B-29 Superfortress Reunion, FAA Wants Controllers, Spirit Airlines Pulls Back, Gogo Galileo Van's Aircraft posted a short video recapping the goings-on around their reorganiz>[...]
Light Gun A handheld directional light signaling device which emits a brilliant narrow beam of white, green, or red light as selected by the tower controller. The color and type of>[...]
"The journey to this achievement started nearly a decade ago when a freshly commissioned Gentry, driven by a fascination with new technologies and a desire to contribute significan>[...]
"Our driven and innovative team of military and civilian Airmen delivers combat power daily, ensuring our nation is ready today and tomorrow." Source: General Duke Richardson, AFMC>[...]
Aircraft Conflict Predicted conflict, within EDST of two aircraft, or between aircraft and airspace. A Red alert is used for conflicts when the predicted minimum separation is 5 na>[...]