The U.S. Navy is set to take over operations of three satellite ground stations developed by General Dynamics for the Mobile User Objective System program.
The ground control systems relay radio calls from service personnel to Defense Department communication networks in any location using the MUOS satellite array, the company said Thursday.
“All they will need is to dial a 10-digit phone number just like they have with their personal cellphones,” said Chris Marzilli, president of General Dynamics C4 Systems.
The stations, which will be used in the overall management of the MUOS satellites, are managed under a centralized command-and-control system that includes Internet protocol connectivity.
Lockheed Martin, the main contractor for MUOS, used General Dynamics’ AN/PRC-155 two-channel Manpack radios to demonstrate voice and data satellite calls within the system in a demonstration November last year.