Northrop Developing Airborne Pod Communications System; Claude Hashem Comments
Northrop Grumman is developing a new system for transmitting imagery, video, voice and digital messages on airborne pods. communications system on May 17, the company announced.
The company said it conducted a test flight of the SmartNode Pod on May 17 in Mojave, Calif.
SmartNode connects to Battlefield Airborne Communications Node platforms at high altitudes, ground operational centers or other pods, said Claude Hashem, vice president of network communications systems for the company’s information systems sector.
According to the company, Northrop’s Firebird aircraft flew the pod and provided mobile ground units and command centers with encrypted digital data and voice connectivity.
The pods are designed for aircraft that use the Defense Department’s Joint Aerial Layer Network, which the company says will link ground, space and airborne communications nodes.
Northrop reportedly was set to conduct a test flight of an unmanned blimp for the Army this month.
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