L3Harris to develop space hub end cryptographic unit for USAF
NewsOctober 25, 2019
MELBOURNE, Fla. The U.S. Air Force has selected L3Harris Technologies to deliver the space hub end cryptographic unit (ECU) for the Protected Tactical SATCOM (PTS) SHIELD program. The Air Force PTS program will implement Protected Tactical Waveform (PTW) over a fully-processed satellite payload, enabling adaptive, anti-jam communications channels.
As the SHIELD contractor, L3Harris will develop an ECU for future PTS payloads. The L3Harris ECUs are intended to support 13 space-based communications payload hubs that will serve up to 1,800 simultaneous tactical user terminals.
L3Harris’ modular open system architecture approach employs standards-based interfaces that minimize the information security boundary and simplify integration.
The ECU incorporates L3Harris’ HMV Space Cryptographic processor that supports full on-orbit reprogrammability. The MOSA form factor and innovative technical approach also results in a low SWaP solution.
