Serves As Link For Ground Forces

A Bombardier Global Express on loan from Northrop Grumman recently landed at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, to begin an eight-month testing period on its onboard-communication system. The jet carries a battlefield airborne communication node that serves as a communication link between ground units.

The testing is a follow-up to the communication system’s parent test at MCAS Miramar in November 2005.

"The aircraft will serve as a communication relay in the sky during ground fighting," said Claude Hashem, director of advanced systems with Northrop Grumman. "If you want to be able to talk with someone you don’t have ready-communication with, the jet serves as a switchboard and provides the connection."

The onboard technology includes the baseline capabilities from the node’s original flight aboard NASA WB-57 aircraft, combined with updated, more advanced technology. The WB-57 and the Global Express were selected because of their high-altitude capabilities, which prevents the enemy from locating the aircraft.

"What it will allow for is a common-operating picture for all services in joint efforts," said Hashem. "At the end of the day, it gives commanders one picture of everything that happened throughout the day’s events."

According to Hashem, the aircraft has the capability of being considered a flying Internet provider as it facilitates communication between people and infrastructures.

"What we intend to do is install new equipment in the first month, fly for a few weeks conducting seven or so flights in that time frame and then install more equipment," said Paul Zavidniak, technical director with Northrop Grumman. "You can expect the cycle to repeat several times during the jet’s stay on the station."

The Global Express can have up to ten different networks working simultaneously based on signals received from satellite antennas located on the bottom of the aircraft.

The signal is received and processed through the communication node, then disseminated to its intended recipient.

"The main idea is that we don’t want people on the ground to not be able to talk with the people they need to," said Zavidniak.

The Global Express, which can reach altitudes as high as 45,000 feet, will be going through its series of flight tests over the city of San Diego until April of 2008. The aircraft is currently scheduled to appear as a static display during this year's MCAS Miramar Air Show, scheduled for October 12-14.

(Aero-News salutes Pfc. Michael R. Stevens, MCAS Miramar)

FMI: www.miramar.usmc.mil/home.htm, www.miramarairshow.com/