Lockheed Martin has teamed up with Granite State Manufacturing (GSM) to design, manufacture, and test an upgraded Multifunction Mast Antenna System in order to improve submarine communication. The contract from the U.S. Navy is worth $6.9 million.
Presently, the U.S. Navy uses the OE-538 system for all Navy submarines as their primary method to communicate with aircraft, surface vessels, and land-based assets. The system provides high performance mast-mounted communication and navigation capabilities.
Lockheed’s upgraded system, OE-538/BRC Multifunction Mast Antenna System will provide submarine communication with improved performance in the UHF signal band. It will also include INK 16, Iridium and Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) UHF satellite communications capabilities, while maintaining performance in legacy bands.
“Lockheed Martin has provided more than 90 OE-538 systems for the U.S. and allied navies since 1989, ” said Joe Rappisi, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin’s Marion, Mass-based business. “This upgrade ensures compatibility with new satellites and evolving communication systems to ensure that submarine forces will remain connected to the global information grid.”
Lockheed expects upgrade at least 12 systems per year over six year for the U.S. Navy. If all options are exercised, the value of the contract is estimated at $57.6 million.
