Cubic Defense has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to develop a low-profile satellite communications (SATCOM) antenna system known as “Halo.” The system is designed to provide resilient beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) connectivity across Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) constellations — a key enabler for modern multi-domain operations in contested environments.
AFRL’s Vision: Resilient BLOS Communications Across Orbits
The AFRL contract is part of broader Department of the Air Force efforts to ensure resilient command and control (C2) capabilities amid increasing threats to traditional SATCOM infrastructure. As adversaries enhance their electronic warfare and anti-satellite capabilities, reliance on geostationary orbit (GEO)-based systems becomes increasingly risky. The shift toward proliferated LEO and MEO constellations — such as Starlink, OneWeb, and military-focused systems like Protected Tactical Enterprise Service (PTES) — demands new terminal architectures that can dynamically track multiple orbits with minimal size-weight-power-cost (SWaP-C) penalties.
The Halo antenna is intended to address these challenges by providing a compact, low-drag solution suitable for aircraft and potentially ground or maritime platforms. According to Cubic’s announcement on May 29, 2024, the system will support high-throughput BLOS links while maintaining compatibility with existing tactical data links such as Link-16.
Technical Goals of the Halo Antenna System
While specific technical specifications have not yet been disclosed publicly due to operational sensitivities, Cubic describes the Halo system as an “ultra-low-profile” SATCOM terminal. Its design likely incorporates electronically steered array (ESA) technology or hybrid mechanical-electronic steering mechanisms optimized for mobile platforms operating at high speeds and altitudes.
Key performance goals include:
- Multi-orbit tracking capability across LEO and MEO satellites
- Low observable profile for aerodynamic efficiency on airborne platforms
- High data throughput compatible with commercial and military SATCOM waveforms
- Rapid beam switching or steering for dynamic link management in contested environments
- Integration with existing tactical networks including Link-16 and IP-based C2 systems
The emphasis on low-profile form factor suggests potential applications aboard stealthy or space-constrained platforms such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), special mission aircraft like MC-12W Liberty or MQ-9 Reaper variants, or even next-generation fighters under NGAD programs.
Cubic’s Role in Tactical Communications Modernization
Cubic Defense has an extensive background in tactical communications systems including secure data links, training instrumentation systems, and integrated networking solutions. The company is also a key supplier of Link-16 terminals and has worked closely with U.S. DoD programs aiming to improve interoperability across joint forces.
This new effort aligns with Cubic’s strategy of supporting Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) objectives by enabling resilient BLOS communications without dependence on vulnerable GEO assets. In recent years Cubic has also invested in software-defined radios (SDRs), mesh networking solutions like DTECH Labs’ EDGE devices, and modular open systems architecture (MOSA)-compliant terminals — all relevant technologies that could be leveraged in the Halo program.
Operational Context: Why Low-Profile Multi-Orbit Terminals Matter
The strategic importance of multi-orbit SATCOM terminals is growing rapidly due to several converging factors:
- Adversary Threats: Russia and China have demonstrated capabilities in jamming GEO signals and targeting satellites via kinetic ASAT weapons or co-orbital interference tactics.
- BLOS Necessity: Modern ISR platforms, UCAVs, SOF teams operating deep behind lines require persistent BLOS comms without relying on line-of-sight relays or vulnerable airborne nodes.
- Spectrum Congestion: GEO spectrum is increasingly congested; access to LEO/MEO offers alternate pathways with lower latency.
- Tactical Agility: Agile beamforming from ESA-based terminals allows warfighters to switch between commercial/military constellations based on availability or threat posture.
A low-profile antenna like Halo could be decisive in ensuring uninterrupted C2 during peer conflict scenarios where electromagnetic spectrum dominance is contested. It also supports distributed operations concepts central to U.S. Indo-Pacific posture planning under Agile Combat Employment (ACE).
A Look Ahead: Testing Timeline & Integration Pathways
No public details have been released regarding contract value or delivery timelines; however AFRL typically follows a phased development model involving prototype demonstration followed by operational experimentation under programs like Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS). If successful in early flight testing — potentially aboard surrogate aircraft such as NCCT-modified business jets — Halo could transition into acquisition pipelines supporting USAF Special Operations Command (AFSOC), Air Combat Command ISR fleets, or even Space Force-controlled assets requiring mobile uplinks/downlinks.
The program may also intersect with other DoD initiatives such as the Defense Innovation Unit’s Hybrid Space Architecture project aiming to blend commercial space assets into military comms frameworks securely. Additionally, integration into Modular Open RF Architecture standards would facilitate cross-platform deployment across NATO allies seeking similar resilient SATCOM capabilities.
Conclusion: A Strategic Investment in Communications Survivability
The Cubic-AFRL partnership around the Halo antenna represents more than just hardware development — it reflects a doctrinal pivot toward survivable C4ISR infrastructure capable of enduring future conflict conditions. With peer threats increasingly targeting space-based nodes and electromagnetic spectrum access points, innovations like ultra-low-profile multi-orbit antennas will be essential enablers of JADC2 effectiveness across domains.
If successfully matured into production-ready form factors adaptable to diverse airframes and missions sets — from ISR drones over Ukraine-like theaters to maritime patrol aircraft over Pacific chokepoints — Halo could become a cornerstone technology within future-proof tactical comms architectures.
