General Dynamics to deliver advanced HF communications capability for U.S. Navy Digital Modular Radio

The U.S. Navy awarded a contract modification to Falls Church, VA-based General Dynamics Mission Systems to improve high-frequency (HF) communications for the Navy’s four-channel, AN/USC-61(C) Digital Modular Radios (DMR), the company announced August 4. The 3G High-frequency 3^rd Generation Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) increases transmission rates from radio to radio by 24 percent and reduces static and other noises that hinder clear, crisp voice communications quality. It also improves communications among U.S. and coalition forces and can supplement satellite communications (SATCOM) when SATCOM networks are overloaded or unavailable.

“This improved HF capability gives sailors and their commanders a communications advantage with improved communications reliability and higher data capacity, particularly when beyond line of sight networks are unavailable,” said Paul Parent, a vice president of General Dynamics Mission Systems. “DMR also provides a more effective alternative to satellite communications in locations where satellite connectivity or capacity is limited or unavailable.”

The General Dynamics’ software-defined DMR radios are the Navy’s mission critical communications hub for Navy vessels and submarines. They provide a wide spectrum of military voice and data communication channels including Ultra-High Frequency satellite networks, Very High Frequency and Line of Sight radios, single-channel Ground and Airborne Radio Systems (SINCGARS) and other tactical radios. The radios are also equipped with General Dynamics Advanced Infosec Machine (AIM) encryption chip, certified by NSA to carry classified information at the Type 1 – Top Secret level and below. The radios also communicate simultaneously at multiple levels of security, on each of the radios four channels.

The MUOS waveform was recently added to DMR to significantly enhance the Navy’s beyond line of site voice and data communications by connecting to the new Mobile User Objective System satellite communications network.

Source: General Dynamics