Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman's BACN system aids USAF communications

Northrop Grumman Tightens USAF Comms

July 30, 2024
The BACN system is designed to communicate images, voice, and data across a diverse group of airborne, maritime, and terrestrial electronic systems.

Many diverse electronic systems used by the U.S. Air Force (USAF) have encouraged that branch of the armed forces to seek help to ensure the systems communicate properly. A task order issued to Northrop Grumman Corp. and its Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) is meant to ensure consistent, reliable communications and connectivity among USAF airborne and ground stations and partner nation systems. The task order provided continued support through January 2027.

Kevin Berkowitz, vice-president for secure processing and networks at Northrop Grumman, said, “As a program of record with nearly a quarter million combat and noncombat flight hours, the commitment to the program’s sustainment demonstrates the indispensable role BACN plays in today’s missions. The battlespace is becoming increasingly complex, and the data interoperability BACN provides between legacy and emerging systems will be critical to future mission success. As a trusted partner we are delivering the capabilities our customers need to respond to growing threats.” 

The high-altitude BACN system (see image above) translates and distributes imagery, voice, and tactical data across various platforms, assisting partner warfighters operating across all domains. Integrated on Bombardier E-11 aircraft, the BACN system features an open architecture with outstanding cybersecurity.

About the Author

Jack Browne | Technical Contributor

Jack Browne, Technical Contributor, has worked in technical publishing for over 30 years. He managed the content and production of three technical journals while at the American Institute of Physics, including Medical Physics and the Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology. He has been a Publisher and Editor for Penton Media, started the firm’s Wireless Symposium & Exhibition trade show in 1993, and currently serves as Technical Contributor for that company's Microwaves & RF magazine. Browne, who holds a BS in Mathematics from City College of New York and BA degrees in English and Philosophy from Fordham University, is a member of the IEEE.

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