Boeing ES-14 WGS

Designated as ES-14A, the Boeing designed Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) augments and will eventually replace the Defense Satellite Communication System and the important Global Broadcast Service function currently provided by UHF Follow-On satellites. Based on the Boeing 702 satellite bus, the 5987 kg WGS satellites are fitted with transponders operating in the X-band and the Ka-band and provide a wide range of communications capabilities to the military services by the capability of connecting users between any and all of the 18 proposed coverage areas even when users are operating on different frequency bands.

Image: Boeing

ES-14A

Boeing will build three WGS Block I satellites and three WGS Block II satellites. The third Block II satellite will be funded by Australia in exchange for its access to the entire network. The Block II version will include a radio frequency bypass capability designed to support airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms with data rates of up to 311 megabits per second.

The remaining two Block I satellites will be launched in December 2007 and May 2008. The launch of the first Block II satellite is planned for 2011. All satellites will be placed in a geostationary orbit.

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