General Dynamics‘ [GD] C4 Systems unit yesterday said it recently completed the first demonstration of secure voice and data communications via the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite-communications waveform using its Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) Handheld, Manpack, Small Form Fit (HMS) two-channel networking radio (AN/PRC-155).
The demonstration used an AN/PRC-155 manpack radio–running the MUOS waveform software–to transmit encrypted voice through a MUOS-satellite simulator to the MUOS ground station equipment that will soon be deployed in Sicily.
MUOS is a military satellite communications system that will enable secure, mobile networked communications worldwide, in even the most-austere environments, the company said in a statement. The first of the four satellites in the constellation was expected to launch Friday evening after a last minute scrub Thursday evening. A fifth one will be deployed as a spare.
Development of the MUOS waveform remains on track for completion in the third quarter of 2012.
By year-end, the MUOS capability will be available on the AN/PRC-155 manpack radio, the first MUOS terminal that will be available to soldiers.
The Army is expected to buy the new capability radios in its fiscal year 2013 budget just sent to Congress.
Chris Brady, vice president of Assured Communications for General Dynamics C4 Systems, said: “While the 2012 radio buy will not ship with the MUOS capability, every HMS Manpack shipped is upgradeable to the much-needed MUOS capability via a field software update and by changing the field-replaceable power amplifier. The hardware change is accomplished in seconds without tools.”
Brig. Gen. Michael Williamson, Joint Program Executive Officer, Joint Tactical Radio System, said: “As one of the demonstration participants, I was pleased to talk over the MUOS network using the PRC-155 radio as it will be equipped for soldiers. When fully deployed, the MUOS system will greatly increase much-needed tactical satellite capacity, in terms of both communications bandwidth and the numbers of users.”
Brady said, “This demonstration proved that the JTRS HMS PRC-155 two-channel radio is ready to provide the portable link necessary to put the power of MUOS into warfighters’ hands. General Dynamics developed the MUOS waveform using the PRC-155 manpack radio and it will be the first MUOS communications terminal used by soldiers. With two channels in one radio, a soldier can use one channel for line-of-sight SINCGARS and SRW waveforms, and bridge to the second channel using the MUOS satellite system for unprecedented, dedicated global communications reach.”
General Dynamics C4 Systems is the prime contractor of the JTRS HMS radio program, which includes the two-channel PRC-155 networking radio, the PRC-154 Rifleman Radio and several other small form fit networking radios.
The JTRS HMS program stipulates that two qualified manufacturers compete for full-rate production contracts, enabling greater affordability for the government. General Dynamics and Thales Communications Inc. will manufacture the PRC-154 Rifleman Radio.
The PRC-155 will be manufactured by General Dynamics and Rockwell Collins [COL].