News Review: Ku-band messaging system for MH-60R | ADM Feb 2010

1 February 2010

Lockheed Martin has received a US$14.75 million US Navy contract to integrate a digital messaging interface that will improve the flow of data the MH-60R anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare helicopter can send to US Navy ships across the new Ku band tactical data link.

The MH-60R helicopter collects and processes voice, video, radar and acoustic sensor data to alert the host ship of undersea and surface movements.

MH-60R and legacy SH-60B aircraft currently send data across the C-band microwave frequency range.

With the introduction of Ku band, the air-to-ship downlink will expand significantly, enabling the MH-60R to stream large quantities of information-rich data to the strike group commander.

The high definition Ship Air Upgrade interface Lockheed Martin is integrating - designated SAU 07000 - will allow a ship or strike group to request specific data from the helicopter, simultaneously receive streaming imagery and other messages, and capture ever greater levels of detail about multiple targets observed by the helicopter.

Developed jointly by the Naval Air Systems Command and the Naval Sea Systems Command, the SAU 07000 interface will be integrated into ship combat systems, including Aegis-equipped ships.

SAU 07000-equipped MH-60R aircraft will remain backward compatible with the legacy C-band message interface to support naval ships that have not yet upgraded to the new interface.