The formation
of an industry-leading communications team strongly positions Boeing
Space and Communications (S&C) to pursue a potential
multibillion-dollar contract for the U.S. armed forces’
next-generation satellite-based mobile communications system.
The Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) will provide global
communications to all U.S. forces in such hard-to-reach places as
thick jungle, urban canyons, mountainous terrain or at sea. In
Boeing’s vision, MUOS would provide warfighters with a key
interoperable link to an “integrated battlespace” of networked
terrestrial, airborne and satellite communications systems.
MUOS will replace the U.S. Navy’s current narrowband
communications satellite system known as UHF Follow-On (UFO), which
provides tactical global communications for all U.S. forces including
those engaged in Operation Enduring Freedom. The UFO fleet was built
by Boeing S&C, a unit of The Boeing Co.
Boeing will lead a team comprising ViaSat, Hughes Network Systems
(HNS), TRW Inc., Harris Corp. and Science Applications International
Corp. (SAIC).
“The Boeing team possesses the right mix of expertise and future
focus to deliver the best MUOS solution for the warfighter,” said
Randy Brinkley, president of Boeing Satellite Systems. “We
successfully developed and deployed the current UFO fleet and we are
the developer of commercial voice and data systems such as Thuraya and
the Spaceway satellites for Hughes Network Systems. Boeing is totally
committed to the vision of providing U.S. forces integrated
information superiority, which is critical to success on the
battlefield of the future.”
As team lead and prime contractor, Boeing would be responsible for
the entire MUOS system: a constellation of geosynchronous satellites
plus associated network management and ground infrastructure.
The Navy will select two teams to receive $40 million, 14-month
Component Advanced Development contracts. One of those teams will be
selected for a multibillion-dollar production contract late next year.
Initial operational capability is expected in early 2008, with full
capability by 2013.
Boeing Space and Communications (S&C), with headquarters in Seal
Beach, is the world’s largest space and communications company. A unit
of The Boeing Co., S&C provides integrated solutions in launch
services, human space flight and exploration, missile defense, and
information and communications.
It is NASA’s largest contractor; a leading provider of space-based
communications; the primary systems integrator for U.S. missile
defense; and a leading provider of intelligence, surveillance and
reconnaissance. The global enterprise has customers worldwide and
manufacturing operations throughout the United States and Australia.
