Enabling highly effective, assured, secure command, control and support for tactical military missions
The U.S. military is no longer simply enabled by the network – it is dependent upon the network.
The military must be capable of operating under volatile conditions and must stay ahead of adversaries‘ growing technological sophistication.
In a benign environment, the joint satellite communications (SATCOM) architecture is very robust.
However, the SATCOM architecture changes drastically in a hostile, stressed, electronic warfare (EW) environment.
Both commercial Ku-band and military Ka-band links are extremely vulnerable to electronic interference, both natural and adversarial.
While protected Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) satellites provide the capability to operate in adverse conditions,
existing terminals are not widely available due to their size and cost. There is an unmet, near-term need for protected AEHF
satellite communication terminals for the warfighter.
The LCT Solution
TeleCommunication Systems, Inc., Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin have developed highly affordable satellite terminals for protected communications on the
move and at the halt. This Low Cost Terminal (LCT) solution addresses the military’s need for lower cost technologies and systems to enable protected and
secure communications for tactical warfighters in contested environments and areas of denied communications. Developed entirely with
internal company investments, the LCTs include two classes of equipment: a Protected Communications On The Move (P-COTM) terminal and a Protected
SIPR/NIPR Access Point (P-SNAP) terminal.
P-COTM
Protected Communications On The Move
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Developed jointly by Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin, the baseline terminal is interoperable with Milstar and AEHF
satellite systems currently in orbit.
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A tactically rugged terminal with a low-profile vehicle antenna developed in three years; half the time of
development cycles for fielded Milstar- and AEHF-compatible terminals.
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This solution achieves affordability by leveraging existing designs, technology, and government and commercial investments while
implementing commercial best practices for procurement and production.
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The hardware and software are extensible to other form factor terminals such as small, fixed terminals that can be packed in
transit cases, shipboard terminals for small deck ships, and low-cost airborne terminals for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and piloted aircraft.
P-SNAP
Protected SIPR/NIPR Access Point
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Developed in collaboration with Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin, P-SNAP incorporates both SNAP and P-COTM components.
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The P-SNAP system is significantly smaller and lighter than currently available protected communication alternatives.
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The complete terminal system is packaged in three transit cases.
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Two people can easily set up the system within 30 minutes.
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P-SNAP is designed to support modular quick-change feeds and upgrade kits to provide backward compatibility for traditional SNAP operations in Ku- and Ka- bands.
Learn more with these downloadable documents & media
The LCT solution takes advantage of Northrop Grumman’s and Lockheed Martin’s proven knowledge and
engineering experience in protected military SATCOM through Milstar and
AEHF anti-jam satellites, and builds on TCS’ highly secure, deployable
satellite communication systems, based on a modular architecture with plug-and-play interfaces and integrated logistics support.
About Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and
solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, and technical services to government and
commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.
Read more about Northrop Grumman's Protected Satellite Communications »
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that
employs about 120,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design,
development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products
and services. The corporation’s net sales for 2011 were $46.5 billion.
Read more about Lockheed Martin's AEHF »
About TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.
TCS is a world leader in highly reliable and secure mobile
communication technology. TCS infrastructure forms the foundation for market leading solutions
in E9-1-1, text messaging, commercial location and deployable wireless communications. TCS is at
the forefront of new mobile cloud computing services, providing wireless applications for navigation,
hyper-local search, asset tracking, social applications and telematics. Millions of consumers
around the world use TCS wireless apps as a fundamental part of their daily lives. Government
agencies utilize TCS’ cyber-security expertise, professional services and highly secure deployable
satellite solutions for mission-critical communications. Headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland, TCS
maintains technical, service and sales offices around the world. To learn more about emerging
and innovative wireless technologies, visit www.telecomsys.com.
Read more about TCS Protected Communications »