Harris [HRS] said it received Type-1 National Security Agency (NSA) certification for its Falcon III® RF-340M multi-channel manpack radio, so the radios can be fielded for secure voice and data through the Top Secret level.
The RF-340M multi-channel manpack is the first and only commercially developed radio to achieve Type-1 certification in anticipation of the Army’s Handheld, Manpack and Small-Form Factor (HMS) tactical radio program.
Photo: Harris
The radio is smaller and lighter and offers extended battery life in comparison to the current program of record radio.
The RF-340M also will deliver new MUOS satellite communications service without requiring additional hardware modules, minimizing size, weight and power challenges in mounted and dismounted applications. The first multi-channel manpack radios will be delivered to the Navy this fall, the company said in a statement Aug. 21.
“NSA certification of the RF-340M is a significant milestone as the U.S. Army transitions to competitive tactical radio procurements. It provides a ready-for-fielding alternative to the program of record radio that significantly enhances the capabilities of our warfighters,” said George Helm, president, Department of Defense business, Harris RF Communications.
The radio allows users to operate on multiple networks simultaneously. It also includes an expansion slot to address emerging and unique mission needs by adding capabilities in areas such as higher speed wideband networking, satellite communications, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
Harris developed the multi-channel manpack to exceed requirements of the HMS tactical radio program, providing advanced capabilities to all DoD branches. The radio can host all required government wideband and narrowband waveforms, including those required by Special Operations Command. It also supports multi-channel cross-banding.
Harris previously received NSA certification for its Falcon III® RF-330E Wideband Rifleman Team Radio. The RF-330E is Harris’ commercially developed, fully compliant radio for the DoD Rifleman Radio program.
The RF-340M and RF-330E are Harris’ next-generation solutions for the Army’s HMS program.
The Harris Falcon® family of software-defined tactical radio systems encompasses manpack, handheld and vehicular applications. Falcon III® is the next generation of radios supporting the military’s Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) requirements, as well as network-centric operations worldwide.