Air Force taps Hughes for waveform development

Hughes Network Systems has won a contract from the Air Force Military Satellite Communications System Directorate to support protected, tactical satellite communications (SATCOM), the company announced Nov. 14. The contract value was not disclosed.

Under the contract, Hughes will develop future management concepts for protected satellite communications and also furnish technical support in the definition of future protected satellite waveforms. 

The Air Force awarded the contract in an effort to acquire an affordable architecture that can provide U.S. and allied forces with protected satellite communications in hostile environments, the company said.

The proposed new waveform designs are expected to drive cost savings while also extending communications capabilities, the company said.