RTX's Collins Aerospace Wins Survivable Satellite Communications Contract

Northrop Grumman has introduced FORTITUDE, a patented single-chip technology that processes vast portions of the electromagnetic spectrum on a grain-of-rice-sized gallium nitride chip. The company said the technology delivers three times more power and 20 times better signal quality, supporting satellites, radar, GPS, electronic warfare and future 6G systems. Previously known as the Super Lattice Castellated Field Effect Transistor, FORTITUDE builds on the company's focused research and development and substantial investment in microelectronics. It replaces dozens of components, cutting weight and slashing power consumption while delivering greater value for the end system. Built in the U.S. for both commercial and defense markets, the chip is designed to simplify system architectures and open new opportunities for faster, more dependable communications across next generation platforms.

TTM Technologies has completed its $1.1 billion acquisition of Epiq Solutions, strengthening its defense and aerospace business. Epiq develops software-defined radios, RF systems and radiation-tolerant computing solutions used across defense, intelligence and space applications, capabilities that complement TTM Technologies' existing printed circuit board, RF component and mission-system offerings. The deal advances the company's strategy of moving up the chain through greater vertical integration and expands its opportunities across land, air, sea and space applications, including signals intelligence, secure communications, electronic warfare and space systems. Financially, TTM Technologies expects Epiq to immediately strengthen adjusted EBITDA, though the deal is expected to be moderately dilutive to adjusted earnings per share in 2027 before becoming accretive in 2028. TTM Technologies faces strong competition from U.S.-based aerospace and defense electronics companies including Curtiss-Wright Corporation, Mercury Systems and Sanmina.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. has completed a successful flight test of its MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft carrying a new communications payload developed by SoftBank Corp. The Disaster Relief Unit communications pod, integrated onto an MQ-9B and flown by GA-ASI on July 27, is designed to provide disaster relief and recovery communications in areas where cellular service is not available. The pod lets an MQ-9B act as a mobile network relay tower in the sky, establishing connectivity where cellular towers have been damaged by a flood or another natural disaster. GA-ASI President David R. Alexander called the test an exciting achievement for both companies and said the capability should interest many MQ-9B operators for disaster relief and emergency communications. MQ-9Bs are flown by operators in the United Kingdom and Belgium as well as the Japan Coast Guard, and the aircraft has been selected by Canada, Denmark, Poland, Germany, Qatar, Taiwan and India.