U.S. Military Contracts for Next-Generation Software Defined Radio
The JTRS can be configured for multiple platforms. Shown above is a 2 channel man-pack form factor.
Software Defined Radios (SDR) are an important battlefield lifeline. The U.S. military use SDRs to reduce communications difficulties between naval, terrestrial and airborne units through the use of common waveforms, creating greater situational awareness and enhanced survivability for warfighters. Experiences in the Gulf War and Iraq have highlighted the need for fully interoperable, seamless communications to shape operations and win decisively. Technological advances such as battlefield wireless networking are addressing the need for real-time data and video feeds on top of input from traditional voice systems.
The Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) program was initiated to develop a device that could connect legacy communications and create new functionality to meet future service needs. A family of software reprogrammable radios built around an open software architecture, JTRS is designed to provide reliable multichannel voice, data, imagery and video communications. The software-based nature of the system permits users the flexibility to select optimal waveforms to meet mission demands.
The radio’s core modules can be configured for multiple platforms. Digital signal processing provides flexibility and operational simplicity through end-to-end communications connectivity. The system also supports low-probability-of-intercept and anti-jam capabilities, transmit power controls and encryption. JTRS provides broadband radio coverage in a frequency range from 2 megahertz to 2 gigahertz. Additional capabilities include local area network services for both line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight data and voice links and the use of adaptive routing techniques to enhance network survivability.
As JTRS systems are deployed across the military, they will replace legacy units, but not entirely on a one-for-one basis. There are some 750,000 radios in use by the U.S. Defense Department. Many platforms, such as high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles, use up to five radios to meet all of their communications needs. Because of its multifunctional nature, a single JTRS unit will replace multiple radios on an individual platform.
Marport’s Software Defined Sonar® has been developed using the same design philosophy as Software Defined Radio. Today, Internet Protocol (IP) is being introduced to every part of the battlespace. The move toward everything over IP, coupled with pushing IP everywhere, has allowed data to be delivered in a timely way to commanders. This data turns into information and the information turns into knowledge – which is especially important in the network-centric battlespace.
The US military is now moving to consolidate its tactical radio purchases across participating services, in order to reduce unit costs. Both Thales and rival Harris Corporation are now competing for delivery orders under the U.S. Defense Department’s Consolidated Interim Single Channel Handheld Radio program – orders that could total over $9 billion if all options are exercised!
Over time, the benefits proven by Software Defined Radio are expected to drive demand for Marport’s Software Defined Sonar®.
Note: Software Defined Sonar is a registered trademark of Marport Deep Sea Technologies Inc.Comments
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