The first AEHF satellite, launched in August 2010, recently began an extensive set of operational tests. In this testing, SMART-T AEHF has already demonstrated interoperable communications using the AEHF satellite's eXtended Data Rate (XDR) waveform, moving data more than five times faster than previous EHF systems. In addition, it demonstrated backward compatibility to low and medium data rate operation supported by earlier EHF satellites on the new AEHF satellite. SMART-T AEHF is both in production and fielded.
Raytheon will deliver 364 AEHF SMART-T terminals to the U.S. armed services.
The AEHF SMART-T systems incorporate Raytheon's eXtended Data Rate (XDR) waveform hardware and software, a complex technological breakthrough in protected communications. The new XDR waveform provides users with increased bandwidth and speed, enabling strategic and tactical military communications.
