L-3 Electron Technologies, Inc. (L-3 ETI) has received combined orders totaling nearly $1 million for the development of a high-efficiency (>50%), 600W, Ka-band communications helix traveling wave tube (TWT).

The orders, which will help enhance U.S. Air Force airborne platform communications technology, were placed by two U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) contractors. “We are pleased to be supporting AFRL and both of their high power amplifier contractors on this important development program,” said Alan Piring, L-3 ETI’s vice president of military and telecom TWT products. “Achieving 600 watts at 30 GHz with a high reliability helix TWT will enable platforms that have a high data rate requirement to close their WGS (Wideband Global SATCOM) communications links with margin and avoid the downside impact of combining multiple lower power amplifiers.”