[SatNews]: General Dynamics C4 Systems has been awarded a $12.4 million contract modification to the Warfighter Information Network – Tactical (WIN-T) Increment 3 contract by the U.S. Army to lead a defense-industry team in the development of a line-of-sight communications payload for Extended Range/Multi-purpose (ER/MP) Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Once aboard the UAS, the WIN-T communications payload will use the Highband Networking Waveform (HNW) to serve as a radio repeater while the UAS is in flight. This capability is critical in an urban environment or on rugged terrain where there are barriers to ground communication.

HNW is a key technology on the WIN-T program, providing automation in establishment of a communication link that results in increased robustness of the communication network. WIN-T enables warfighters to communicate and collaborate on the move, in urban areas, mountains or isolated locations where there is no communications infrastructure. General Dynamics will lead the WIN-T Increment 3 team that includes Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems and Harris Corporation. The teammates will work closely to design the Communications Payload B-kit with General Atomics, makers of the ER/MP platform. The U.S. Army Communications Electronics Command (CECOM), Fort Monmouth, N.J. is the contracting authority.

The WIN-T program is comprised of three increments. Increment 1 is currently fielded to a number of deployed U.S. Army units. Increment 2 equips tactical vehicles with broadband communications, enabling commanders to see and command from anywhere in the battlespace. Increment 3 provides increased network reliability and capacity, smaller and more tightly integrated communications and networking gear needed for the Army’s Brigade Combat Team Modernization.