Rockwell Collins develops new ARC-210 smart mount for Iridium SATCOM integration

Cedar Rapids, IA-based Rockwell Collins announced on February 21 that it has developed a smart mount that will provide users of the ARC-210 networked communications airborne radio with added SATCOM capability through the Iridium network. Accessing Iridium’s network of 66 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, users are able to maintain true global coverage, including polar regions, while simultaneously maintaining full use of the ARC-210 radio’s standard capabilities.

“The smart mount will be a low risk and cost-effective way to bring the added benefits of Iridium to the ARC-210 system, delivering reliable communications no matter where the mission is,” said Troy Brunk, vice president and general manager, Communication, Navigation and Electronic Warfare Solutions for Rockwell Collins.

“Adding Iridium SATCOM to the ARC-210 leverages the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) secure gateway as well as the diverse and resilient Iridium NEXT constellation,” said Ken Flowers, vice president, Government Solutions for Iridium. “Integration requires no modifications to the existing onboard radio and will enable reliable voice, data and position location information anywhere on the planet.”

The smart mount was recently demonstrated to U.S. Department of Defense representatives to showcase the integration’s beyond line of sight capabilities.

Source: Rockwell Collins