General Dynamics’ [GD] four-channel Digital Modular Radios (DMR) successfully completed a Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite communications test at the company’s MUOS test facility in Scottsdale, Ariz. in February, GD said on Monday.
The DMR used the MUOS satellite communications and ground station simulator to complete voice calls and data transmissions to and from the DMR to an Army AN/PRC-155 two-channel Manpack radio.
“The success of this test is important because it demonstrates the Navy’s work, in collaboration with the Army, to deliver on the promise of the MUOS satellite communications to joint forces worldwide,” Chris Marzilli, president of General Dynamics Mission Systems, said in a statement.
The DMR was built using open architecture standards and are meant to provide interoperability while accommodating next-generation communications waveforms like MUOS, the Integrated Waveform, and future advanced network communications waveforms to be added to the waveform library, GD said.
DMR was the first software-defined radio for the U.S. military. Because it is a digital radio, software changes with few hardware changes are needed for operating upgrades and adding capabilities like connecting with the narrow-band MUOS satellite network.
DMR is currently used by the U.S. Navy, operating on many Navy ships and on shore locations, the company said.
Currently, 500 four-channel DMRs support U.S. Navy operations globally, the company said.