Northrop Grumman Corporation has validated the open architecture nature of its 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.
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 Department of Defense’s (DOD) Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) effort.
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 realize its vision of decision superiority for Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2).
Ian Reynolds, director of network solutions at Northrop Grumman stated that with this successful demonstration, they have taken HCB-enabled gateways from concept to reality in less than one year. Their 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.
This trial featured an L3Harris HCB system using AESA apertures supporting 600 Mbps and showcased their team’s 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.
Ron Fehlen, VP & GM, U.S. Air Force programs at L3Harris said that 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. Their resilient communications, airborne fielded datalinks, and high bandwidth allow a High-Capacity Backbone to move massive data rapidly across networks and create path diversity over the tactical edge to keep warfighters connected.
Northrop Grumman’s advanced networking technologies, including its HCB gateway systems, help warfighters and branches of the military easily communicate and securely share a Common Operational Picture to create actionable information across air, land, sea and space.
