Tactical Radio and all that..........

[buglerbilly]

U.S. Army Struggles With Radio Fielding Plan

Mar 8, 2010



By Bettina H. Chavanne chavanne@aviationweek.com
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.

The U.S. Army is stuck in a too-familiar battle between cost and benefit as it prepares to field a host of new Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) radios.

The issue is not the benefit JTRS would bring to the Army, according to Rickey Smith, director of the Army Capabilities Integration Center-Forward (ARCIC). “The Army is large — that’s the frustration,” he said. “But [JTRS] radios bring huge benefits.”

Today’s radios range in cost from $10,000 to $30,000, according to Smith. A JTRS Ground Mobile Radio (GMR) could cost between five and ten times that amount, he said, while clarifying these were ballpark and not exact figures. “The question becomes, if it’s five times the cost, am I getting five times the benefit,” Smith said.

Lt. Gen. Michael Vane, director of ARCIC, expressed concern earlier this month over the cost of the radios, calling them “ridiculously expensive” (Aerospace DAILY, March 2). The conundrum of cost, however, should be examined in broad terms, Smith said. The Army cannot “price [itself] out of the ability” to field the upgraded radios it needs. “Reprogrammable radios are the future, but how do you get there?”

At the winter symposium of the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) in March, Boeing announced it had recently conducted formal qualification testing of five JTRS GMR waveforms on engineering development model hardware. Smith said eventually the Army would like the radio to act like a box and “sort out the frequencies” itself, which is where Boeing and other JTRS variant manufacturers are heading. “We’re committed to continuing JTRS,” he said. “But where do we make trades? Wouldn’t an 80 percent solution work? I would hope that everyone seeks the greatest benefit for the least cost.”

Photo credit: US Army

[buglerbilly]

From The Sunday Times March 28, 2010

Call of duty: stealth smartphone is latest SAS weapon

Michael Smith



THE SAS is in line for the ultimate hands-free smartphone: a futuristic communications system developed with technology used in popular computer games such as Call of Duty. It will allow troops to see what their comrades see elsewhere on the battlefield and to talk to them as if they were standing side by side.

Scientists are developing a highly covert system, using wi-fi networks such as those present in computers, that will be built into the troops’ clothing and require them to do nothing but talk.

There will be no need to press buttons or flick switches. Struggling with radio interference, having to shout above the noise of battle or using sign language will be a thing of the past.

Troopers will simply talk as if they were having a normal conversation. Their colleagues will not only hear what they say, the words will come up in text on their visors.

The system is so advanced that it will allow real-time video streaming, with none of the waits for downloading that irritate users of YouTube.

Simon Cotton is one of the scientists at Queen’s University, Belfast, who are developing the system, commissioned by the Ministry of Defence. “It operates at millimetre-wave frequencies where we have huge expanses of available data bandwidth above two gigabits per second,” he said.

This is far beyond anything currently capable with wi-fi and can stream high-definition video and other data, such as voice or text, in parallel.

Despite the ability to provide so much data, the frequencies being used for the system only carry a very short distance. This makes the transmissions virtually undetectable to the enemy.

While the short distances involved might appear a weakness, the system uses smart antenna technology to maintain contact between troops, said Professor William Scanlon, who led the team. Soldiers will drop small repeater antennae as they move across ground, helping provide links to their colleagues.

The repeaters can be safely scattered without risk of the enemy being able to intercept information, because the encryption takes place at each end of the link.

The system is seen as ideal for special forces operations where small groups often work remotely from other colleagues.

Major-General Julian Thompson, who commanded 3 Commando Brigade during the Falklands war, said: “This is a major breakthrough. Its most important feature for me as a former battlefield commander is that each soldier can tell instantly where his fellows are.

“Up to now much radio traffic is taken up with ‘where are you and what are you doing?’ messages. This technology will also help to reduce the [friendly fire] incidents of ‘blue on blue’.”

[buglerbilly]

This is pretty spooky.............:dunno

BHI Gear Zinc Air Battery Gunshot Test Video

April 4th, 2010 | video | Posted by Rob Curtis

I just stumbled across Blackheart International’s video showing the effects of a 7.62 round on radio batteries. We covered the batteries at Shot ‘09, but we haven’t seen the video.

They shoot two popular military radio batteries, the lithium 5590 and rechargeable 2590 for reference. Then they blast their zinc-air batteries one cell at a time while powering some strobe lights to show how much damage they can take before quitting.

I carried a few of the 2590s around as part of homemade solar powered camera and laptop recharging system back in OIF I. Had I watched this video back then, I would have thought a lot harder before carrying those little green blowtorches in my pack.

http://www.bhigear.com/zincairbatteries.aspx

[buglerbilly]

Harris Corporation Receives $112 Million Order from Australian Department of Defence for Networked Battlefield Communications

Company's Falcon III Technology Will Create High-Speed Connectivity Between Australian Commanders and Deployed Forces

BRISBANE, Australia and ROCHESTER, N.Y., April 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall

Harris Corporation (NYSE: HRS), an international communications and information technology company, has received a US$112 million (AUD$135 million) order for Falcon® tactical radio systems that will provide battlefield networking capabilities to the Australian Department of Defence. The order consists primarily of Harris Falcon III® AN/PRC-152(C) multiband handheld radios, but also includes Harris Falcon III® AN/PRC-117G wideband, AN/PRC-117F multiband and AN/PRC-150(C) high-frequency (HF) manpack radios.

Harris radio systems will serve as the secure communications backbone for the Australian Defence Forces (ADF) Land 75, Land 125 and Joint Project 2072 communications modernization programs. The systems wirelessly connect soldiers to each other, their commanders and other devices in the field. The Harris systems, which include Type 1 security devices, antennas and power amplifiers, will allow the ADF to meet its objectives to provide networking capabilities that enhance situational awareness and speed decision-making.

"Harris is collaborating with the Australian Department of Defence and the program team on this very important program that will lead to an operational, networked Australian brigade in 2013," said Andy Start, president, International business, Harris RF Communications. "We're also excited to expand international use of our JTRS-approved Falcon III radio systems. These systems form the basis for secure networked military communications, providing significantly better information gathering and dissemination at the tactical edge — where the battle is fought."

The largest part of the order is for the Falcon III AN/PRC-152(C), the most-widely deployed JTRS-approved handheld radio. The AN/PRC-152(C), in dismounted configuration, will connect soldiers to the ADF's central Battle Management System and serve as a hub for other soldier-carried C4 devices.

Harris also will supply its Falcon III AN/PRC-117G wideband manpack radio, Falcon II AN/PRC-117F multiband manpack radio and Falcon II AN/PRC-150(C) high-frequency manpack radio. In addition, Harris is providing the AN/PRC-152 in vehicular amplifier adapters to support the installation of equipment in more than 1,000 armored vehicles.

As part of the agreement with the ADF, Harris will be establishing a customer service and support center in Brisbane. Harris is working closely with prime contractor Elbit Systems on the communications modernization programs.

Harris RF Communications is the leading global supplier of secure radio communications and embedded high-grade encryption solutions for military, government and commercial organizations. The company's Falcon family of software-defined tactical radio systems encompasses manpack, handheld and vehicular applications. Falcon III is the next generation of radios supporting the U.S. military's Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) requirements, as well as network-centric operations worldwide. Harris RF Communications also is a leading supplier of assured communications® systems and equipment for public safety, utility and transportation markets — with products ranging from the most advanced IP voice and data networks to portable and mobile single- and multiband radios.

[buglerbilly]

Thales wins award for AN/ PRC-154 Rifleman Radio

August 04, 2011

Thales Communications, Inc. announces the award by prime contractor General Dynamics C4 Systems for Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) of the AN/PRC-154 Rifleman Radio. Developed as part of the Joint Tactical Radio System Handheld, Manpack, and Small Form Fit (JTRS HMS) program with General Dynamics, the Rifleman Radio is a lightweight, networking, body-worn radio designed to extend the tactical network down to the lowest echelons--the dismounted individual soldier.

In June, the JTRS HMS program received a Milestone C decision from the US Department of Defense, which authorized the Army to procure up to 6,250 Rifleman Radios. Following that decision, General Dynamics received an LRIP contract for 6,250 Rifleman Radios, which will be manufactured by both Thales Communications and General Dynamics. By design, the JTRS HMS System Design and Development and LRIP contract efforts will yield two qualified production sources. This provides the Government with robust competition from multiple qualified sources for full rate production. A core component of the Army’s soldier modernization program, the Rifleman Radio transmits voice and data simultaneously utilizing the Soldier Radio Waveform. The radio is designed to bring secure (Type 2) inter-squad communications to any warfighter on the tactical edge of the battlefield. It creates self-forming, ad hoc, voice, and data networks in any battlefield scenario and enables Team Leaders to track individual soldier position location information, giving dismounted soldiers a much-needed situational awareness capability on the battlefield.

“The Rifleman Radio represents the very latest technology, benefiting from close collaboration with users and rigorous Government testing,” said Michael Sheehan, President and CEO of Thales Communications, Inc.

The Rifleman Radio has undergone an extensive series of formal Government tests, including various operational network integration exercises, one of which was an exercise conducted by the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg. In a follow-up report by the unit’s commanding officer, Maj. Gen. James L. Huggins said that the radios performed in “remarkable fashion,” effectively filling critical communications gaps that are unmet by current tactical communication systems.

Source: Thales

[buglerbilly]

Elbit Systems introduces MRS-2000L

August 09, 2011



The latest generation MRS-2000L is an all digital, ruggedized, transportable video receiving system for precise situational awareness picture build up of the battlefield, providing an "beyond-the next-hill" view of the enemy at standoff range, avoiding danger of exposure and revealing intentions. By bringing mission critical information to the front, the MRS-2000L enables tactical forces to make the most of real-time information, while assuring maximum accuracy and safety.

Used as a standalone, deployable UAV passive ground system or an add-on to a C4I (optional), the MRS-2000L receives, processes and displays real-time video imagery and telemetry data arriving from UAVs and generates an intuitive and correlated image-to-map display with real time UAV and payload information, for directed livery to the maneuvering forces.

Commanders, FACs and FOs in the field are thus able to make mission-critical decisions based on a complete and constantly updated situation awareness picture. Video recordings and still images can be stored in the hard disk for further off-line processing and debriefing purposes. Multiple users can access the MRS-2000L data base, through a LAN porter USB memory stick, in order to process these images.

The applications include:
• Artillery targeting and ranging
• Intelligence gathering
• Border surveillance
• C4I for ground forces
• Security for high-risk sites and sensitive facilities

The MRS-2000L system includes a tripod-mounted receiving antenna, video receiver, interfacing to a computer, and TFT handheld display unit for presenting video and telemetry data in virtually any type of format. A variety of proprietary image and data manipulation tools help the user convert data in to a graphical intelligence overlay on a digital map.

Source: Elbit Systems

[buglerbilly]

General Dynamics receives ADF CSAR radio order

October 06, 2011



General Dynamics C4 Systems has received a $12.7 million contract from the Australian Defence Force to provide AN/PRC-112G GPS-enabled search and rescue radios and accessories. Part of the HOOK2Ò System, the AN/PRC-112G radio sends encrypted global positioning information, user identification, situation reports and other critical information to combat search and rescue aircraft in short bursts to reduce the risk of detection and interception.

"Twenty-eight countries are now using HOOK2 radios for their combat search and rescue operations," said Chris Brady, vice president of Assured Communications for General Dynamics C4 Systems. "For NATO and coalition users, this system provides unprecedented search and rescue communications interoperability enabling international forces to work together efficiently and effectively when lives are in the balance."

The HOOK2Ò Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) system comprises the AN/PRC-112G radio, Quickdraw2 Interrogator and Satellite Communications (SATCOM) Base Station, and allows downed air crews or isolated personnel to securely contact combat search and rescue resources over long distances. The radio is interoperable with satellite-based search and rescue systems, including the International Cospas-Sarsat Programme.



Source: General Dynamics

[buglerbilly]

General Dynamics' New Sidewinder Vehicle Mount Turns Military Vehicles into Network Nodes



One or two channels per mounting tray



Sidewinder Vehicle Mount and AN/PRC-154 Rifleman radio team up as cost-effective, easy-to-use solution for Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW) network connectivity in military vehicles

19:40 GMT, October 11, 2011 SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. | The new Sidewinder Vehicle Mount, built by General Dynamics C4 Systems, cost-effectively equips vehicles that do not have communications capability with tactical radios operating in the Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW) network. An accessory for the networking AN/PRC-154 Rifleman radio, the Sidewinder quickly transitions the radio from a body-worn radio to a vehicle-mounted radio, augmenting its power and extending its range. Just as quickly, the Rifleman radio can be removed from the Sidewinder while maintaining connectivity with the tactical network.

"The Sidewinder Vehicle Mount is a stellar example of how the rapid acquisition process can work to equip military users with network connectivity in virtually any military vehicle," said Chris Brady, vice president of Assured Communications for General Dynamics C4 Systems. "Moreover, the Sidewinder-Rifleman radio combination costs two-thirds less than legacy 'manpack' solutions and it easily loads the voice, video and data communications capabilities into tactical vehicles."

The Sidewinder's hardware assembly includes the 20-watt power amplifier from another JTRS HMS radio, the AN/PRC-155 and connectors that work with the vehicles' existing intercom systems and are compatible with standard mounting trays that most vehicles already have in place.

The Sidewinder-Rifleman radio combination has been selected by the Army for evaluation at the upcoming Network Integration Exercise (NIE) 12.1. The exercise takes place in October and November 2011 at White Sands Missile Range in White Sands, N.M., and concurrently at Fort Bliss, Texas.

More information about the Sidewinder is available at www.gdradios.com.

[buglerbilly]

AUSA: Situational Awareness With The L3 Rover 5 Handheld

by Brandon Webb on October 15, 2011



There are a few hand held devices out there but the Rover 5 by L3 Communications System West is pretty cool and one of the better ones in our opinion. The hand held system allows boots on the ground to get overhead data feeds from sources like Predator and other airborne platforms. For those of you who have been forward deployed, you know how valuable it is to have an asset like this in the palm of your hand. It increases your situational awareness on the ground and helps establish a valuable link if you are up the creek and need fire support. Specs are below…Brandon.



Spec Sheet

■ Transmits and recieves on Ku-band, C-band, S-band, L-band and UHF (400-470MHz)
■ Data rates vary. Snapshot=200kbps, 400kbps and 44.73 Mbps, etc.
■ Video feed is analog, H.261, MPEG and MJPEG
■ Modulation is FM, FSK, BPSK and O-QPSK
■ Encryption=Triple DES, AES and Type 1
■ External Interface=USB, Ethernet, Audio input/output, power, and BNC external video input/output
■ User Interface=Menu-driven touch screen
■ Display= 5.5 inches
■ Weight: 3.5lbs
■ Battery life: 2-3 hours
■ Operating temp. Zero Celsius to Plus Forty Five Celsius

Read more: http://kitup.military.com/2011/10/ausa-situational-awareness-with-the-l3-rover-5-handheld.html#ixzz1awxMQksA
Kit Up!