Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has validated the open architecture nature of the company’s advanced gateway system offering by successfully integrating and demonstrating a new High Capacity Backbone (HCB) capability provided by L3Harris Technologies with one of Northrop Grumman’s platform agnostic gateway systems.
By combining existing gateway translations across existing data links and AI enhanced networking, Northrop Grumman was able to rapidly integrate and demonstrate a new capability in a live over-the-air test, which was set up in less than a week.
Northrop Grumman’s HCB-enabled gateway solutions are designed to provide high-speed, secure, open and platform agnostic communications capabilities that will help the Department of Defense (DoD) realize the agency’s vision of decision superiority for Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2). The introduction of next-generation HCB gateway capabilities will enable data flow 300 times faster than the speeds previously available to take advantage of processing speeds needed to help unlock the advanced network architecture needed for the DoD’s JADC2 effort.
This trial featured an L3Harris HCB system using AESA apertures supporting 600 Mbps and showcased Northrop Grumman’s teams ability to move quickly to integrate new gateway capabilities from industry partners and deliver the Open Mission System and Open Communications System (OMS-OCS) capabilities needed for the JADC2 network using industry standard hardware (3U VPX).
Northrop Grumman’s family of open architecture gateways are designed to gather data from the HCB network and quickly share actionable information across air, land, sea and space domains. These gateways include a multi-level security system and advanced functions such as cloud computing, machine learning, secure and ethical artificial intelligence, next generation datalinks and the use of third-party software and sensor solutions.
By gathering information from multiple platforms using beyond line-of-sight, line-of-sight voice and data networks—including 5th generation networks—Northrop Grumman’s HCB-enabled gateway systems will significantly enhance the situational awareness picture for warfighters operating in JADC2 environments.
“With this successful demonstration, we have taken HCB-enabled gateways from concept to reality in less than one year,” said Ian Reynolds, director, network solutions, Northrop Grumman. “Our platform agnostic, HCB-enabled gateway systems are designed to deliver the enhanced connectivity and secure processing speeds needed to introduce a wide range of new capabilities that will be critical for maintaining a technological advantage in network-centric, all-domain environments.”
“As the premier provider of high capacity directional CDL networks, L3Harris looks forward to supporting the DoD’s JADC2 efforts with future HCB team demonstrations,” said Ron Fehlen, VP & GM, U.S. Air Force programs, L3Harris. “Our resilient communications, airborne fielded datalinks, and high bandwidth allows a High Capacity Backbone to move massive data rapidly across networks and create path diversity over the tactical edge to keep warfighters connected.”
