Boeing has transferred the US Air Force’s (USAF) fourth wideband global SATCOM (WGS) satellite to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida ready for the scheduled launch early next year.

The new WGS-4 features a switchable radio frequency bypass to provide improved airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance imagery at higher data rates compared to existing satellites.

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The satellite is the fourth in the WGS systems family and the first in the block II series, and will undergo final tests for the next two months.

The satellite will be launched atop a United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, US.

Following the launch, the WGS-4 will join the existing WGS-1, 2 and 3 satellites to provide additional information broadcast capabilities to the USAF.

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