Network engineers at Lockheed Martin and AT&T have transferred data from a Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter to Waterton, CO in real-time for analysis, using an AT&T 5G millimeter wave private cellular network and Lockheed Martin’s 5G.MIL multi-site pilot network. The test, conducted recently at Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky headquarters in Stratford, CT, demonstrated that 5G can support accelerated maintenance operations on the flight line and improved aircraft readiness to support military aircraft.
“Timely and secure transfer and analysis of mission and operations data are critical to military readiness and effectiveness,” said Lance Spencer, client executive vice president, Defense, AT&T Public Sector and FirstNet. “This is one of many areas of commercial 5G innovation we are exploring to support defense, commercial aviation, and related fields where our 5G-related services can modernize legacy processes and help deliver truly transformational benefits.”
The AT&T 5G millimeter wave private cellular network wirelessly transferred data to the 5G.MIL network through ground support equipment from the Black Hawk’s Integrated Vehicle Health Management System. The data was then routed to local Sikorsky networks for processing and distribution through the secure Lockheed Martin 5G.MIL pilot network to the Waterton 5G test range site.
Lockheed Martin launched its 5G.MIL initiative in 2021, to enhance its military customers’ ability to share information swiftly and securely across conflict zones and make well-informed decisions faster. The technology will be integrated into military communications with tactical gateway capabilities, allowing secure connectivity across battlefield assets.
Since then, Lockheed Martin has partnered with several companies, including Radisys’ 5G software suite, Keysight Technologies, and Verizon.
By J. Sharpe Smith, Inside Towers Technology Editor
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