Northrop Grumman has demonstrated its Freedom 550 gateway radio terminal that performs as a communications relay among fourth and fifth-generation aircraft.

Performed during an open mission systems (OMS) flight trial led by Lockheed Martin, the demonstration saw the Northrop solution being used as part of a gateway to link a fifth-generation F-22 Raptor with a fourth-generation F-18 Hornet communicating via Link-16.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

During the test, the Northrop’s terminal was on board a Lockheed Martin U-2 Dragon Lady, offering intra-flight data link (IFDL) connection to the F-22.

"The OMS standard enabled significant reuse of capabilities previously developed with the working group."

Moreover, the terminal used OMS standards and applications to integrate with the rest of the OMS systems on the platform, the company stated.

Northrop Grumman Information Systems communications division vice-president and general manager Jeannie Hilger said: "The foundation of this successful achievement, particularly under a quick-reaction timeline, was Northrop Grumman’s proven products in fifth-to-fifth and fifth-to-fourth gateways and our work with the OMS collaboration working group.

See Also:

"The OMS standard enabled significant reuse of capabilities previously developed with the working group."

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Meanwhile, the demonstration further validated the US Air Force’s OMS acquisition initiative, quickly taking advantage of new or improved capabilities at a reduced cost.

Moreover, the demonstration ensured that Northrop Grumman can integrate an OMS solution with another prime contractor’s system, the company stated.

Northrop’s fifth-to-fourth Gateway is based on the Freedom 550 that is developed as part of the Joint Capabilities Technology Demonstration (JCTD) programme, which was sponsored by the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD).

According to the company, the Gateway has achieved more than 400 hours and proved its capability to enable various aircraft to communicate with each other without modifying the platforms.