Persistent Connectivity and Operational Support 24/7

The US Air Force recently awarded Northrop Grumman a $3.6 billion (€2.97 billion) contract for continued Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) operations, sustainment and support.

The contract provides for RDT&E, integration and operations and sustainment for existing and future payloads contained in or connected to the BACN system. It also includes associated ground stations or controls, ancillary equipment, support equipment and system integration laboratories.

The BACN system is a high-altitude airborne communications gateway that translates and distributes imagery, voice and tactical data from disparate elements—enhancing situational awareness communications and coordination for joint forces operating across space, air, land and sea.