Boeing to Build Fourth U.S. Air Force Wideband Gapfiller Satellite

Boeing has received authorization from the U.S. Air Force to begin work on the fourth satellite in the Wideband Gapfiller Satellite (WGS) system. WGS-4 is the first option to be exercised on the WGS Block II contract, which was finalized last month. (Boeing photo)

ST. LOUIS, Nov. 10, 2006/Satnews Daily/ ― The U.S. Air Force has awarded Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] a $299.8 million contract for the production of the fourth Wideband Gapfiller Satellite (WGS). This is the first option to be exercised on the WGS Block II contract, which was finalized last month.

The Block II contract is valued at $1.067 billion, if all options are exercised, according to Boeing.

WGS-4 will be similar to the three Block I satellites Boeing already is building, but will include a radio frequency bypass capability designed to support airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms requiring additional bandwidth. The RF bypass will support data rates of up to 311 megabits per second. The 13-kilowatt WGS satellites are based on Boeing's 702 models and are designed to provide improved communications support for America's warfighters. WGS-4 is expected to launch in early 2011.

“The procurement of this fourth WGS satellite places us on a solid path to increase the capabilities of the DoD communications constellation,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Adam Mortensen, WGS Block II program manager. “The additional satellite substantially increases the tactical communications capacity in key geographic areas, and will provide a critical capability to support data relay from new unmanned aerial vehicles that are coming on line.”

WGS will augment and eventually replace the Defense Satellite Communication System (DSCS) currently in orbit. One WGS satellite will provide more throughput than the entire DSCS constellation, which translates to improved effectiveness of worldwide forces and ultimately saves lives. The first WGS Block I satellite is scheduled for launch in mid-2007.

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