(U) Universal Modem System (UMS)

(The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).)

Overview: (U)
(U) The Universal Modem System (UMS), which includes a family of modems and a System Planning Computer (SPC) will provide survivable, Anti-Jam (AJ), Anti-Scintillation (AS), Low Probability of Exploitation (LPE), interoperable, Super High Frequency (SHF), command and control connectivity for military forces during all phases of conflict. The UMS will provide a means for strategic and tactical forces under the command of the United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), France, or North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to have interoperable secure voice and digital data satellite communications under worst case jamming and nuclear scintillation while using non processing transponders of the Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) II and III, NATO III and IV, SKYNET 4, and TELECOM 2 satellite systems. The Universal Modem will be a replacement for the AN/USC-28(V), and OM-55(V)/USC. The Universal Modem will be configurable for installing at fixed sites, land mobile, ship based, and airborne terminals.

Description: (U)
(U) The Universal Modem (UM) System is a multi-national program that will enable strategic and tactical forces under the command of the U.S., U.K., France, and NATO to have interoperable voice and digital data satellite communications capability under jamming and nuclear scintillation, while using the non-processing transponder of the DSCS III, NATO, or SKYNET 4 satellite systems. The UMS consists of the OM-83 modem integrated into the terminal and the AN/GSQ-256 System Planning Computer located in the DSCS Operations Center. The production model will be integrated into the STAR-T terminals to be purchased by the Army and Marines and into the U.S. Special Operations Forces Tactical Assured Connectivity System (SOFTACS) terminals.

(U)  In early 1997, Rockwell and its team members were selected by the US Army to produce satellite communications equipment as part of the UMS Terminal Production Programme. The initial contract was for the first article qualification testing and delivery of 18 terminals for field operational test and evaluation and was valued at US $20 million. The contract options, if exercised, could extend the programme through to 2009 and provide for the production and support of a total 1,190 terminals, with a total value of US$180 million. A US$10 million US Army contract for the UMS was announced in early 1998. 

User Impact: (U)
(U) To be supplied.

Programmatics: (U)
(U) Programmed.
	(U) IOC: 07/2001 (4QFY2001).

Related Initiatives: (U)
(U) Army Terminal Upg & Rpl

Related Requirements: (U)
(U) None.

Related Categories: (U)
(U) SHF Ground Segment Terminals

Road Map Placements: (U)
(U) MILSATCOM.

Lead Office: (U)
(U) Army.

Date of Information: (U)
01 October 1997

(The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).)