|
Part two of the BATTLESPACE feature on Software Defined radios.
In our May issue we covered developments in the JTRS Program, in this feature, we discuss new developments in legacy systems and developments of new radio capabilities outside JTRS.
Whilst JTRS continues to mature, there are continuing exciting developments in software radios taking place outside the JTRS Requirement.
Harris
Although being part of the unsuccessful Boeing-led AMF JTRS team, Harris has widely deployed products and capabilities in key areas of JTRS and software defined radio systems.
BATTLESPACE Editor Julian Nettlefold met Dana Mehnert, president of Harris RF Communications, at this year’s Eurosatory Exhibition in Paris and was given a briefing by Kevin Kane, Director of U.S. business development of Harris RF Systems
“A key development for Harris was the award in January of this year for the certification from the National Security Agency (NSA) for our Falcon® III multiband, multimission manpack radio. of network-centric warfare. "Certification was a critical requirement for fielding the Falcon III AN/PRC-117G(C), which is the first Type-1 secure tactical radio with wideband networking waveforms. Type-1 certification ensures that our customers will have the highest levels of information security for their emerging network-centric communications. The programmable Sierra™ II encryption technology used in the Falcon III manpack provides this level of security for wideband networking waveforms as well as narrowband legacy waveforms and will host new security algorithms as they are developed," Kevin Kane, Director of U.S. business development of Harris RF Systems told BATTLESPACE.
“Has Harris been affected by the loss of a major position on JTRS?”
“Far from it. We have seen a surge in orders for our products across the board at home and overseas. In addition we have received orders for JTRS-compliant radios developed by Harris using our own PV funds to upgrade existing systems. In April we were awarded a $96.7 million contract to continue upgrading U.S. Marine Corps tactical radio communications with multiband, multimission JTRS-approved Falcon III® handheld and vehicular radio systems through the Consolidated Interim Single Channel Handheld Radio (CISCHR) Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity contract awarded to Harris by the Joint Program Executive Office for JTRS.”
“Demand for our Falcon radios, in particular, remains robust and is driven by a broad range of customers within the U.S. Department of Defense as well as throughout our international markets. Our opportunity pipeline continues to be very robust and reflects our ability to meet the advanced communications requirements of our customers. We have further increased our production capacity to address the higher expected demand in the second half of fiscal 2008 and beyond. Outside Falcon, our RF-7800W High-Capacity Line-of-Sight radio is selling particularly well.
“Overall, our orders for all our products in fiscal year 2008 totaled $1.7 billion and significantly exceeded revenue. It’s been an exceptional year for sales and technology developments followed by a number of key announcements here at Eurosatory," said Dana Mehnert.
Falcon III Manpack
In July, Harris’s newest radio, the Falcon III AN/PRC-117G multiband manpack, was certified by the Joint Test and Evaluation Lab of the Joint Program Executive Office for JTRS as fully compliant with version 2.2 of the JTRS Software Communications Architecture. Harris is now the only company with two radios – the manpack and the Falcon III AN/PRC-152(C) handheld – to receive JTEL certification from the JTRS program.
The Falcon III manpack transmits IP data to the tactical Internet at on-air rates of up to 5 Mbps, a 100-fold increase for tactical links. It also offers an extended frequency range of 30 MHz to 2 GHz. The radio is designed specifically to fit into the tactical networks of the future and support a wide variety of data-intensive applications, such as biometrics, situational awareness, and reconnaissance feeds, while offering a high degree of mobility, security, and survivability. With its high data rate, mobile ad-hoc networking, automated network establishment and maintenance and integrated security, the AN/PRC-117G is a powerful networking solution for the battlefield. The radio is available today.
Designed to host advanced government waveforms, the AN/PRC-117G currently incorporates the Harris Advanced Networking Wideband Waveform (ANW2) for mobile ad-hoc networking. The AN/PRC-117G will also operate the JTRS-developed Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW). Harris demonstrated a network of Falcon III manpack radios operating SRW at the LandWarNet trade show in Florida in August.
The AN/PRC-117G(C) and its software-defined architecture offers interoperability with currently fielded radios, incorporating SINCGARS, Havequick II, and the High Performance Waveform (HPW), as well as MIL-STD-181B Tactical Satellite (TACSAT) capability. The AN/PRC-117G(C) also utilizes the Harris Sierra II software-programmable encryption module, a reprogrammable cryptographic device that can be embedded in a variety of voice and data products for protection of information up to the TOP SECRET level. Sierra II is the cryptographic engine for several U.S. Type-1 radios, including the AN/PRC-152(C) multiband handheld radio. Falcon III radios offer a 30 MHz to 2 GHz frequency range, an SCA-operating environment, significant processing power, and the ability to accommodate new waveforms for networking, TACSAT, commercial L-Band satellite, and interoperability.
In addition to JTEL certification, the AN/PRC-117G also has received its Type-1 encryption certification from the National Security Agency. The AN/PRC-117G, is the first wideband networking radio to receive NSA Type 1 certification for the protection of voice and data traffic up through the TOP SECRET level.
With these two certifications, “the U.S. military can continue acquiring Falcon III AN/PRC-117G radios knowing that they meet existing standards and are positioned to handle future JTRS applications to the highest levels of security,” Mehnert said. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with the JPEO to expand the breadth and availability of JTRS-approved products to the DoD."
Harris JTRS-Approved Handheld
On February 13, 2008 Harris announced that the company is providing its JTRS-approved Falcon III® AN/PRC-152(C) handheld radios to the U.S. Army to extend the communications capabilities of soldiers serving in mountainous and urban environments.
The Army is installing Falcon III AN/PRC-152(C) radios in Shadow 200 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles as part of a relay system to significantly extend the distance communication signals can travel. The radios provide critical aerial communication links for soldiers on the ground operating in obstructed line-of-sight environments.
The Army selected the Falcon III AN/PRC-152(C) after extensive performance testing and field evaluations involving several potential vendors.
"This new application underscores the multimode, multi-mission capabilities and very small size of the Falcon III AN/PRC-152(C)," Kevin Kane told BATTLESPACE. "Using the communications relay enabled by this next-generation radio, soldiers are able to communicate over long distances, even in mountainous or urban terrain. Perhaps most significantly, the UAV-based AN/PRC-152(C) radios are providing critical communications links to a majority of the Army's installed base of legacy radios, including SINCGARS.”
The Falcon III AN/PRC-117G manpack is the companion radio to the JTRS-approved AN/PRC-152(C) multiband handheld and AN/VRC-110 vehicular radios.
The Harris AN/PRC-152(C) is one of two contenders competing for multi-year deliveries of multiband handheld radios to the Department of Defense under the JTRS CISCHR contract. Harris has received orders under this contract from several branches of the military, including the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Air Force.
Forward Air Controller Radios
The Harris the PRC 152 radio with direct satcom link capability provides the radio backbone for the Rockwell Collins Improved Target Geolocating Accuracy system (ITGA), recently deployed in Afghanistan. (See: IMPROVING ACCURACY, By Julian Nettlefold, Editor, BATTLESPACE)
Seasoned BATTLESPACE readers will remember the Scott Gourley interview with a Forward Air Controller in the early years of the Afghan war who called in air strikes on Al Qaedea strongholds form the ‘cab rank’ aircraft circling overhead. He described the sound of an F-15 screaming over his head after he had directed the target from his forward position to the aircraft!
RF-7800W Broadband Ethernet Radio
General Dynamics showed a Harris 7800 high-capacity line-of-site radio on its stand at AUSA this year as part of its Joint Network Transport Capability-Spiral (JNTC-S) demonstration.
The RF-7800W Broadband Ethernet Radio leverages proven OFDM technology to deliver high-speed Ethernet throughput over wireless links. Under clear line-of-sight conditions, the RF-7800W can provide robust, long-range connectivity at distances beyond 50 km. The all-Internet Protocol (IP) design of the RF-7800W delivers a seamless extension of Ethernet LANs and WANs, at proven Ethernet data rates greater than 80 Mbps. The RF-7800W provides unmatched spectral flexibility with support for up to three different channel sizes (10, 20, 40 MHz) in Point-to-Point (PTP) mode and two different channel sizes (10 and 20 MHz) in Point-to-Multipoint (PMP) mode, and center frequency specification in 1 MHz increments. Extremely low latency in PTP (less than 4 ms), and PMP (less than 10 ms) ensures the successful delivery of bandwidth-intensive applications such as VoIP, real time video, teleconferencing, and C4I. Designed for the harshest outdoor conditions, the radio receives DC power over Ethernet from the indoor unit via standard CAT-5 Ethernet cable.
"The RF-7800W provides deployed forces with the high-speed, low-latency data capability needed to exchange voice, video, imagery, intelligence and situational awareness data. This information, delivered in real time, enables improved decision-making and allows commanders to act and respond within the enemy's decision cycle." Kevin Kane continued.
Operating over the 4.4–5.0 GHz frequency band, the RF-7800W can be considered for wireless networking solutions such as public safety, first responders, training and simulation networks, and long/short-haul battlefield communications connectivity. Transmissions can be secured via the embedded encryption capability or via external Ethernet Inline Network Encryption (INE) devices. The lightweight RF-7800W is easy to configure and deploy. Using a standard Web browser, an operator has access to all required configuration items and statistics necessary to configure and monitor the operation of the radio. Third-party network management applications can also be utilized via the standard SNMP interface.
In March the RF-7800W was deployed by the 2-25th Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT) of the U.S. Army's 25th Infantry Division.
The 2-25th SBCT is using Harris RF-7800W radios to provide wireless backbone connections between battalion and brigade command posts and their company outposts and joint security stations. The SBCT has effectively integrated the radios into the Joint Network Transport Capability-Spiral (JNTC-S), a key component of the Army's battlefield communications solution. Secure wide area network (WAN) connectivity through Harris RF-7800W radios enables the maneuver company commander to rapidly synchronize military intelligence systems with brigade, division and national level databases. WAN connectivity also provides a common operational picture and situational awareness of defined areas of responsibility and facilitates operational planning and command and control with higher headquarters.
"Harris radios provide commanders at company outposts and joint security stations with digital high-speed secure connectivity, enabling real-time intelligence and situational awareness," said Lt. Col. Rob Fisher of the 2-25th Stryker Brigade Combat Team. "This helps the commander see and understand his operating environment, the enemy threat, and ultimately make informed decisions that will save lives."
The radios are part of Harris Corporation's expanding line of high-capacity tactical radio systems, which deliver a robust tactical network and enable critical applications such as real-time video transmission, situational awareness traffic, and military voice and data exchange. Designed for network-centric operations, the radios securely transfer encrypted Internet Protocol (IP) traffic over distances of greater than 50 kilometers under clear line-of-sight conditions in fixed point-to-point and 20 kilometers in point-to-multipoint configurations. The RF-7800W provides voice and data transmissions with very low latency and supports power-over-Ethernet for limited cabling and easy deployment.
"The RF-7800W expands Harris Corporation's tactical radio leadership into high data-rate communications systems. The RF-7800W provides deployed forces with the high-speed, low-latency data capability needed to exchange voice, video, imagery, intelligence and situational awareness data. This information, delivered in real time, enables improved decision-making and allows commanders to act and respond within the enemy's decision cycle.” Dana Mehnert said.
Export Sales
“What about export sales?”
“Yes, we have seen sales growth across the board from overseas customers. In April we were awarded a $79.6 million contract to supply the Armed Forces of the Philippines with Falcon II® high frequency (HF) and very-high frequency (VHF) tactical radios. In addition, we have recently sold HF radios to Poland in a multi-year partnership between Harris and Military Communications Works (MCW) No 2. T hrough this contract, Harris will continue the standardization of the RF-5800H and RF-5800M radios in the Polish military.
“We also received our first export order for our Falcon Watch surveillance system from Holland.” Dana Mehnert said.
In June, during Eurosatory, Harris was awarded a $15 million contract to supply the Polish Ministry of National Defense with tactical communications equipment and accessories. Harris will provide Falcon II® RF-5800H and RF-5800M manpack radios, vehicular installations, accessories and spare parts to the Combat Net Radio program of the Polish Armed Forces. The contract from the Ministry of National Defense was awarded through Military Communications Works (MCW) No 2 (Wojskowe Zaklady Lacznosci Nr 2), located in Czernica, Poland.
Also during Eurosatory, Harris was awarded a contract to supply the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) with Falcon Watch® Remote Surveillance Systems to provide force protection and perimeter security for forward operating bases in Afghanistan. The acquisition is part of the RNLAF's Transportable Intrusion Detection Systems (TIDS) program.
Under terms of the contract, Harris will provide networked systems consisting of the Falcon Watch RF-5400V-SR Falcon II® Ground Sensor and the Falcon Watch RF-5408-RI Remote Imager. The systems are designed to provide sensor alarms along with related imagery and video feeds to enable real-time response to intrusions or other threats. Information and imagery are transmitted to commanders and deployed forces through the system's Falcon II tactical radio communication backbone.
Two types of imaging capability are included with the RNLAF system. Remotely deployable thermal and visible light cameras, cued by sensors, provide visibility into terrain features such as washes or ridge lines. These terrain features can provide cover for possible attackers on operating bases. Thermal and visible light cameras with pan-tilt-zoom capability are mounted within operating bases to focus on a particular area based on information received from the ground sensors. The system includes NightStalkIR™ live video surveillance camera systems provided by a Harris partner.
Utilizing low power consumption to maximize operational life, the Falcon Watch networked sensors are easily adjusted after deployment via the Falcon Watch RF-5410 Sensor Management Application. The sensors provide a flexible interface for seismic, infrared and acoustic detection devices, fence monitoring devices and other sensor inputs. Military grade encryption is provided to secure the sensor and imager communication.
“Do you see this sales growth continuing?”
“Yes. Harris RF Communications is forecasting 11 to 13 percent growth during fiscal year 2009, which began July 1. We see this growth coming from continued success with the U.S. government, international growth and entry into new markets such as the High Capacity Line-of-Sight radio. Our product lines are also expanding outside the traditional RF core – one example being the Falcon Watch sensor systems. We see these as exciting new areas for sales developments.” Dana Mehnert concluded.
ITT
“How do you see ITT positioned in JTRS and FCS?” BATTLESPACE asked Dr Larry Williams of ITT.
“ITT is in an excellent position to support JTRS and the FCS communities. The ITT Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW) ITT is developing for JTRS is crucial to the overall success of FCS. This waveform is now in qualification testing and being ported to both the HMS and GMR platforms. These radio platforms and the SRW waveform running on them are critical to achieving the widespread network centric operational vision of FCS as JTRS radio are deployed over time. ITT is also developing the network management capability for SRW, allowing SRW to be fielded soon rather than waiting for the GMR sponsored Joint Network Management system. The SRW network manager will eventually integrate into the Joint Network Management system for a single enterprise wide capability.”
To capitalize on the extensive legacy base of SINCGARS radios, now numbering over half a million units, ITT is working with GD under the HMS program to develop a SideHat to the SINCGARS radio that inexpensively bridges the gap between legacy and future network centric capabilities. This is particularly important for the modular brigades that are not expected to receive JTRS radio upgrades for many years. The SideHat easily attaches to legacy SINCGARS radios, enabling them to participate in SRW networks. This drastically increases the number of network enabled systems in the battlespace without the expense of replacing the Army’s existing primary voice radio capability.
“Aside from the SRW and SideHat activities, ITT also has extensive advanced technology efforts underway that are leading to real breakthroughs in size, weight, power consumption and cost. Some of the early results of the technology push is the Soldier Radio that may be offered in response to the JTRS Approved Radio Programs such as CISCHRS or JAM. These radios would fill the needs gap in the near term while JTRS radios are being completed, or may provide JTRS capabilities not originally considered in JTRS Programs of Record. How these and future radios will play in the long term JTRS community will depend to a large degree on the HMS and GMR production competition strategies to be defined by the government over the next few years” Williams replied.
Page | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | Next Page | Previous Page |
