Northrop Grumman opens plant for array antennas

Northrop Grumman Corp., which is developing the satellite communications payloads for the Department of Defense's Advanced Extremely High Frequency (EHF) program, has opened a facility to produce phased array antennas for the satellites.

"This facility permits us, for the first time, to assemble and test phased arrays in one location. This reduces development time, reduces risk to delicate hardware, and ensures tight coordination between the assembly and test processes," said Clayton Kau, Northrop Grumman Space Technology VP and manager of the Advanced EHF payload program. "Phased arrays mark a significant evolution in satellite antennas, and tests for these will comprise the most complex antenna testing we've ever undertaken at Northrop Grumman. This facility will let us deliver antennas that are verified and ready for payload integration and test."