Next-Generation Battlefield Communications

The Navy says a team led by Lockheed Martin has won the competition to build the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS), a next-generation narrowband tactical satellite communications system that will provide significantly improved and assured communications for the mobile warfighter.

"Lockheed Martin is proud to be selected as the US Navy's partner for this vital system," said G. Thomas Marsh, executive vice president, Lockheed Martin Space Systems. "Our innovative solution leverages the team's extensive communications satellite experience to help the DoD deliver net-centric capabilities for the US military. We will now focus on building and integrating this innovative, capable, and flexible next-generation tactical communications system on schedule and on cost."

This win enables the team of Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Sunnyvale (CA), General Dynamics C4 Systems, Scottsdale (AZ), and Boeing Satellite Systems (BSS), El Segundo (CA) to produce the first two satellites and associated ground control elements . The contract also provides for options on 3 additional spacecraft. With all options exercised, the contract for up to five satellites has a total potential value of $ 3.26 billion.

MUOS will replace the current narrowband tactical satellite communications system known as the Ultra High Frequency Follow-On (UFO) system. With Lockheed Martin's design, MUOS satellites will be fully compatible with the existing UFO system and associated legacy terminals while dramatically increasing military communications availability and providing simultaneous voice, data and video in real time to mobile warfighters around the globe. MUOS will also maximize the full feature capability of the future Joint Tactical Radio Systems (JTRS) terminals. Anticipated launch date for the first MUOS satellite is planned for 2010.

General Dynamics C4 Systems will lead the user-entry and integrated ground segments of the MUOS program, supplying a secure ground network, satellite control and network management, and a JTRS-compliant terminal solution. BSS will provide a significant portion of the UHF payload capability. Harris Corporation will supply the MUOS spacecraft antenna. The team also includes Northrop Grumman.

"We are very excited to be given the opportunity to apply our longstanding UHF SATCOM heritage to the end users of MUOS," said Ron Taylor, a vice president of General Dynamics C4 Systems. "We understand the needs of warfighters on the move and will leverage our experience in network systems to bring them leading edge features in the MUOS infrastructure."

"Throughout our 15-year partnership with the US Navy to develop and deploy the UFO satellite fleet, we have witnessed great leadership from the Navy in providing vital global communications services to Armed Forces personnel worldwide," said Dave Ryan, vice president and general manager of Boeing Satellite Systems. "Through this partnership with Lockheed Martin, we look forward to once again working with our Navy customer to deliver an integrated solution for the MUOS mission."

FMI: www.navy.mil