The U.S. Air Force likes what Boeing Space and Intelligence
Systems is doing for the Wideband Global Satellite Communications program. So
it’s modifying its contract and awarding Boeing an additional $338.7 million to
build a tenth WGS military communications satellite.
As its name suggests, the planned WGS-10 will be the tenth
member of the WGS system. Its new wideband digital
channelizer gives it twice the satellite bandwidth compared to its
predecessors’ configuration.
The USAF is procuring the WGS satellites through a
commercial-style operating model. The new purchasing model saves significant
amounts of money by streamlining processes, tests, and governmental oversight
functions based on the developing maturity of the WGS production line.
Boeing’s production of the WGS satellites began in 2000. The
first three satellites are in geosynchronous orbit, providing wideband
communications to warfighters around the globe. WGS-4 was successfully launched
in January 2012 and is currently being readied for operations. The next five
satellites, 5 to 9, are currently in production, while number 10 has just been
ordered by the USAF.
The Wideband Global satellite communications system provides
24/7/365 communication worldwide for U.S. warfighter through broadcast,
multicast and point-to-point connections. It is the only system that can
support X- and Ka-band communications at the same time, and its capability to
crossband ensures transparent communication across terminal types. The three
currently-operational satellites currently gathers and routes real-time data
through more than 700 X-band, 3100 Ka-band, and 400 X/Ka-band terminals around
the world.
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