Boeing to Build More
Wideband Gapfiller Satellites
(18 October 2006) Boeing and the U.S.
Air Force MILSATCOM Systems Wing have signed a US$ 1.067 billion contract for
up to three more Wideband Gapfiller Satellites (WGS), if all options are
exercised.
The Block II satellites will be similar to the three
Block I satellites already in production. Under Block II, Boeing will add a
radio frequency bypass capability designed to support airborne intelligence,
surveillance and reconnaissance platforms requiring ultra-high bandwidth and
data rates demanded by unmanned aerial vehicles.
"This new Block II
contract gives the Air Force the flexibility to independently exercise options
for long-lead material, production and launch services for WGS F4 through F6,"
said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Adam Mortenson, WGS Block II program manager. "One
WGS satellite will provide more throughput than the entire Defense Service
Communications Satellite (DSCS) constellation currently on station, which
translates into improved effectiveness of our world-wide forces, and
ultimately, into lives saved."
In February, the Air Force authorised
Boeing to begin non-recurring engineering and advanced procurement of parts for
the fourth WGS satellite. Boeing anticipates Air Force authorisation to proceed
with full production of WGS F4 and to begin long-lead work for F5 by the end of
2006. These revolutionary, 13-kilowatt WGS satellites are based on Boeing's 702
models and are designed to provide improved communications support for
America's warfighters.
"We have designed an incredibly capable satellite
with tremendous operational flexibility, which will become even more apparent
when the first vehicle is launched next year," said Charles Toups, vice
president of Navigation and Communications Systems for Boeing Space &
Intelligence Systems. "We are very pleased the Air Force has chosen Boeing to
fulfil this critical communications need."
Boeing is preparing the first
WGS satellite for launch in 2007. The Block II contract calls for the launch of
F4 by the first quarter of 2011 and subsequent launches every year thereafter.
WGS will augment and eventually replace the DSCS currently on station. Boeing
has leveraged a wealth of experience and capability for WGS, including
extensive investments in the 702 satellite bus, digital signal processors and
phased array antennas. These capabilities enable the tremendous capacity and
operational flexibility the U.S. military requires.
The results
contained in this submission were generated in whole, or in part, through work
supporting the MILSATCOM Systems Wing.
A unit of The Boeing Company,
Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and
defence businesses. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense
Systems is a US$ 30.8 billion business. It provides network-centric system
solutions to its global military, government, and commercial customers. It is a
leading provider of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems; the
world's largest military aircraft manufacturer; the world's largest satellite
manufacturer; a foremost developer of advanced concepts and technologies; a
leading provider of space-based communications; the primary systems integrator
for U.S. missile defence; NASA's largest contractor; and a global leader in
sustainment solutions and launch services.
(source: Boeing)