General Dynamics C4 Systems (GDC4S) has conducted the first demonstration of secure voice and data communications through the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite-communications waveform using the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) Handheld, Manpack, Small Form Fit (HMS) two-channel networking radio (AN/PRC-155).
During the demonstration, the AN/PRC-155 radio running the MUOS waveform software was used to transmit encrypted voice through a MUOS-satellite simulator to the MUOS ground station equipment that is expected to be deployed in Sicily, Italy.
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General Dynamics C4 Systems Assured Communications vice president, Chris 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."
Developed under the JTRS programme using the AN/PRC -155 radio, the MUOS waveform will be the first MUOS communications terminal used by warfighters to receive secure, mobile networked communications even in austere environments worldwide.
The MUOS system will operate as a global cellular service provider to provide the warfighter with modern cell phone-like capabilities to communicate directly with each other and their commanders virtually anywhere in the world.
With the two-channel radio, the soldier can use one channel for a line-of-sight single channel ground to air radio system (SINCGARS) and soldier radio waveform (SRW) and bridge it to the second channel using the MUOS system for unprecedented, global satellite communications (SATCOM) narrowband connectivity.
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By GlobalDataJoint Tactical Radio System’s joint program executive officer, brigadier general Michael Williamson, said: "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."
Completion of the MUOS waveform development is scheduled in the third quarter of 2012, followed by fielding on the AN/PRC-155 manpack radio by the end of the year.
