ATLANTA, July 23, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- EMS Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:ELMG) recently completed delivery of key anti-jamming hardware to Northrop Grumman for installation on the payloads for Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) program, the military's highly secure satellite communications system that will provide jam-resistant communications for high-priority military ground, sea and air assets. Northrop Grumman is the AEHF payload provider to Lockheed Martin, prime contractor for the AEHF system.
AEHF is the successor to the current five-satellite constellation of Milstar Block I and Block II spacecraft. Through the use of advanced technologies and designs, AEHF satellites will provide approximately 10 times more communications capacity and six times higher channel data rates than its predecessor, Milstar II, in a much smaller hardware size.
Development of the first AEHF satellite is progressing towards launch in mid-2008. The first AEHF payload was recently mated with the spacecraft core structure and propulsion subsystem and will now undergo environmental and acceptance testing over the next few months.
"We are proud to contribute an important component of AEHF's payload for assured, protected communications for our warfighters, and to be a part of the government industry team that includes Northrop Grumman Space Technology," says Michael Fatig, vice president of Business Development for EMS D&SS. "It continues our legacy of providing critical communications payload equipment to America's premier national security space programs, a legacy we will carry forward into the Transformational Communications Satellite (TSAT) and other programs."
Work was completed in March 2007 under a $29 million, five-year contract by EMS Defense & Space Systems, which specializes in space communications beam-forming networks, management, switching and protection. The EMS anti-jamming antenna nuller, called a Beam-Forming Network, plays a pivotal role in providing secure communications for AEHF. When a jammer is detected, EMS's Beam- Forming Network gives the satellite the ability to shape its receive beam so that the jamming is ineffective.
The Advanced EHF communications system will provide global, highly secure, protected communications for warfighters serving under the U.S. Department of Defense. Northrop Grumman Space Technology, Redondo Beach, Calif. is a key supplier to Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Sunnyvale, Calif., which is under contract to provide three Advanced EHF satellites and the mission control system to its customer, the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center, Military Satellite Communications Systems Wing, located at the Los Angeles Air Force Base.
About Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a $30 billion global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide.
About EMS Technologies, Inc.
EMS Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:ELMG) is a wireless and satellite communication solutions leader, serving aeronautical, defense, maritime, commercial space and supply chain markets. Through its LXE, EMS SATCOM, and Defense & Space Systems divisions, EMS keeps people, systems and data connected, wherever they are -- on the ground, in the warehouse, in the air, or in space. The Company is headquartered in Atlanta, employs approximately 1,000 people worldwide and operates major manufacturing facilities in Atlanta and Ottawa, Canada.
EMS Defense & Space Systems (D&SS) Division enables many of today's most advanced military and commercial space applications. EMS microwave systems serve the battlespace in communications, surveillance, precision strike and electronic warfare. Its low-observable, compact, and high-performance RF systems work across all warfighter platforms -- from space, air, ground and sea, to the soldier traveling on foot. D&SS also provides antenna capabilities for next-generation commercial satellites for entertainment and Internet connectivity. D&SS's customers include the world's best defense and space companies. For more information, visit EMS on the World Wide Web at www.ems-t.com.
Editor's Note: Reporters can download the high-resolution image at www.emsdss.com/images/highres/Nuller.jpg