Hughes Awarded Production Contract by GA-ASI to Connect Gray Eagle UAS with Next Gen Satellite Communications

Rhea-AI Summary

Hughes Network Systems, an EchoStar company, secures a production contract from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. to enhance satellite communications for the MQ-1C Gray Eagle 25M UAS, providing advanced HM400T modems for increased endurance and resilience in contested environments. The contract reinforces Hughes' commitment to supporting GA-ASI and the U.S. Army, ensuring enhanced communications and ISR capabilities for multi-domain operations.

Defense Technology Analyst

The contract awarded to Hughes Network Systems for the production of HM400T modems for the MQ-1C Gray Eagle 25M Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) represents a strategic advancement in defense technology and underscores the importance of secure communication systems in modern warfare. The integration of Enhanced Bandwidth Efficient Modulation (EBEM) waveform technology and TRANSEC features into these modems is a testament to the evolving requirements of battlefield communication systems to be both secure and efficient.

The use of software-defined, commercial technology that is ruggedized for high-altitude applications addresses the growing need for resilient and versatile equipment that can withstand the rigors of military operations. The emphasis on low size, weight and power (SWAP) requirements further indicates a trend towards developing more deployable and less resource-intensive military assets, which can be important for extended missions and in environments where logistical support may be limited.

For stakeholders, this contract signals Hughes' strengthened position in the defense sector and its commitment to supporting the U.S. Army's modernization efforts. The production of these modems may also have downstream effects on the supply chain, potentially benefiting suppliers and partners involved in the manufacturing process.

Military Communications Expert

The HM400T modems are designed to enhance the Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (AISR) capabilities of the Gray Eagle 25M UAS, particularly in contested environments. The importance of secure and resilient communication cannot be overstated in such scenarios, where adversaries may attempt to disrupt or intercept communications. The DoD's adoption of standardized waveforms and TRANSEC features reflects a proactive approach to mitigating these risks and ensuring the integrity of mission-critical data.

From an operational perspective, the ability of these modems to support government-approved waveforms means that they can be seamlessly integrated into existing communication infrastructures, facilitating interoperability and potentially reducing the time required to deploy these systems in the field. The focus on endurance and resilience aligns with the U.S. Army's strategy to maintain technological superiority and adapt to the changing nature of warfare, where unmanned systems play an increasingly prominent role.

Aerospace Industry Analyst

The production contract for the HM400T modems is indicative of the aerospace industry's ongoing shift towards integrating more sophisticated technologies into unmanned systems. The trend is not only towards making these systems more autonomous but also ensuring that they are equipped with the necessary tools to operate in more complex and demanding theatres of operation.

The strategic implications for the aerospace industry are significant, as this move by Hughes Network Systems may prompt competitors to accelerate their own R&D efforts to keep pace with the advancements in secure SATCOM technology. The long-term benefits for the industry could include increased investment in innovation and a more robust competitive landscape.

For investors, the contract represents a potential growth opportunity for EchoStar and its subsidiary Hughes. The successful delivery of the HM400T modems could lead to further contracts and cement Hughes' reputation as a key player in the defense communications market. However, the performance of the modems in operational conditions will be the ultimate test of their value proposition and could impact future business prospects.

Satellite system upgrades will enhance security and resiliency on major UAS upgrade program

GERMANTOWN, Md., April 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hughes Network Systems, an EchoStar (Nasdaq: SATS) company, today announced its it has been awarded a production contract from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) to produce a key component of the next-generation satellite communications (SATCOM) system for the MQ-1C Gray Eagle 25M Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). Under the contract, Hughes will provide advanced, ruggedized HM400 modems, named the HM400T, that integrate with the DoD's standard waveform technology and transmission security (TRANSEC) features to enable significantly increased endurance and resilience for Gray Eagle 25M's wide range of Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaisance (AISR) mission requirements, particularly for operations in contested environments.

"Hughes looks forward to supporting GA-ASI with a secure and cost-effective communications architecture that delivers the speed, flexibility and resiliency necessary to meet the next generation of mission requirements," said Rick Lober, vice president and general manager of the Defense and Government Systems Division at Hughes. "This production contract reinforces the commitment of Hughes to serving GA-ASI and, by extension, the U.S. Army and this program of record, ensuring enhanced communications and ISR capabilities for today's multi-domain operations."

Hughes is producing advanced, ruggedized HM400T modems, that integrate with the DoD's standard Enhanced Bandwidth Efficient Modulation (EBEM) waveform technology and TRANSEC features. This advanced, customized software-defined commercial technology is based on the HM400 modem that is operating on the GA-ASI MQ-9B UAS. The HM400T incorporates a ruggedized container for high altitude applications, meets low size, weight and power (SWAP) requirements, and supports government approved waveforms to ensure resilient ISR transmissions for the U.S. Army's next-generation Gray Eagle 25M, MQ-1C, UAS and its long-endurance missions. This next-generation UAS will support the U.S. Army and the U.S. Army National Guard to meet the demands of future unmanned and manned teaming operations and help fill the growing Reconaissance, Surveillance, Targeting and Attack (RSTA) gap. After completing the development phase, GA-ASI awarded Hughes the initial production units; Hughes will start delivering these communications systems in the Spring. This highly advanced UAS platform supports worldwide ISR missions.

To learn more about how Hughes delivers secure communications, anytime, anywhere, please visit the Hughes website.

About Hughes Network Systems
Hughes Network Systems, LLC, an EchoStar (Nasdaq: SATS) company, provides broadband equipment and services; managed services featuring smart, software-defined networking; and end-to-end network operation for millions of consumers, businesses, governments, airlines, and communities worldwide. The Hughes flagship internet service, Hughesnet^®, connects millions of people across the Americas, and the Hughes JUPITER™ System powers internet access for tens of millions more worldwide. Hughes supplies more than half the global satellite terminal market to leading satellite operators, mobile network operators and military customers. Hughes products and services have helped bring in-flight video and broadband to thousands of aircraft for over twenty years. A managed network services provider, Hughes supports approximately half a million enterprise sites with its HughesON™ portfolio of wired and wireless solutions. To learn more, visit https://www.hughes.com/ or follow HughesConnects on Twitter and LinkedIn.

©2024 Hughes Network Systems, LLC, an EchoStar company. Hughes and HughesNet are registered trademarks and JUPITER is a trademark of Hughes Network Systems, LLC.

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SOURCE Hughes Network Systems, LLC

What contract did Hughes Network Systems secure?

Hughes Network Systems secured a production contract from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. to provide advanced HM400T modems for the MQ-1C Gray Eagle 25M UAS.

What are the key features of the HM400T modems?

The HM400T modems integrate with the DoD's standard waveform technology and TRANSEC features, providing significantly increased endurance and resilience for AISR mission requirements in contested environments.

What is the purpose of the production contract?

The production contract aims to deliver a secure and cost-effective communications architecture that meets the next generation of mission requirements for GA-ASI and the U.S. Army, enhancing communications and ISR capabilities for multi-domain operations.

When will Hughes start delivering the communications systems?

Hughes will start delivering the communications systems in the Spring after completing the development phase and receiving the initial production units from GA-ASI.

What is the significance of the next-generation UAS platform?

The next-generation UAS platform will support worldwide ISR missions and help fill the growing Reconnaissance, Surveillance, Targeting, and Attack (RSTA) gap for the U.S. Army and the U.S. Army National Guard.