Secure AEHF satellite communication network completes IOC phase
NewsAugust 03, 2015
SUNNYVALE, Calif. The Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) satellite network has completed the initial operational capability (IOC) phase. It now provides secure military communications for national leaders and military commanders transmitting sensitive information in contested areas. The network serves the U.S., Canada, the Netherlands, and the U.K.
The completion of the IOC phase followed a six-month U.S. Air Force evaluation cycle where AEHF was tested in simulated scenarios such as battlefield environments and cyberattacks.
The system’s high data transfer rate can send images, video, and other data to compatible aircraft and naval vessels. It also has on-board signal processing and satellite-to-satellite crosslinks that insulate communications from vulnerability by eliminating the need for ground relay stations.
Lockheed Martin is under contract with the U.S. Air Force for six AEHF satellites; three are currently orbiting and the remaining three are in production at a Lockheed Martin facility in Sunnyvale.
