Multiband SATCOM Suite Evaluated in Military Exercise

The Air National Guard/Air Reserve Command Test Center has conducted a force development evaluation on the HC-130J Ku/Ka communications suite, carried out during the Sentry Aloha exercise which took place in June 2024.

The suite adds a multiband, resilient beyond line-of-sight (BLOS) SATCOM capability to access hybrid space architecture. FDEs evaluate production representative systems and typically produce a test report with a fielding recommendation.

The design of this system is inherently resilient against enemy electromagnetic warfare (EW) capabilities seeking to deny access to communications within the battlespace. 

It can simultaneously access satellite internet services in proliferated low Earth orbit, geostationary Earth orbit or medium Earth orbit in Ku or Ka bands. The system can aggregate received bandwidth and auto-switch between Ku and Ka, allowing uninterrupted service.

AATC is responsible for conducting operational and developmental assessments, devising tactics, and evaluating all weapons systems within the Air Reserve Component for several military airframes. This includes the HC-130J and the HH-60G.

The Air National Guard assert that this test is a significant step toward delivering SIPRnet on board the HC-130J, unlocking features typically only available in an Air Operations Center. These include JREAP-C, tactical chat (Chatsurfer), CSEL web application, and PACAF guidance packages (ATO/ACO/SPINS).

The primary focus is to enhance the survivability of the isolated person and recovery forces, and to bolster the Air Force’s ability to execute resilient-basing options through Agile Combat Employment. 

This technology is set to enhance the long-range kill chain through compatibility with the Air Force’s Advanced Battle Management System’s Aerial Networking efforts, which aims to link every sensor to every shooter across a unified domain. The HC-130J is set to increase lethality within the battlespace through collaborative technologies.