U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers will get phased-array antenna capabilities
NewsJuly 21, 2020
BOULDER, Colo. Ball Aerospace has been chosen by the U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to develop a prototype of a new multiband, low-observable satellite communications antenna that will be installed on the U.S. Navy's newest stealth-enabled ships, the DDG 1000 Zumwalt-class destroyers.
As part of its development effort, according to Ball Aerospace information, the company is applying its experience in electronically steerable phased-array antenna technology and high-performance stealth technology to design a solution that can operate over multiple frequency bands, meet existing signature requirements, and be applied for use on the Zumwalt-class destroyers.
Dr. Jake Sauer, vice president and general manager, Tactical Solutions, Ball Aerospace, said of the news: "We are pleased to partner with DIU and the U.S. Navy to explore ways to quickly and cost-effectively increase the capabilities of the DDG 1000. Our multiband, multibeam phased-array heritage and conformal antenna expertise directly supports the warfighter by addressing emerging threats and taking on new missions."
