Harris Corp. [HRS] yesterday said it successfully integrated its advanced wideband networking radio, in use by warfighters in the field today, into the future Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW) Network Manager.
During JTRS Contractor Development Testing, the Harris Falcon IIIr AN/PRC-117G multiband manpack radio–operating the JTRS Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW)–demonstrated interoperability with the JTRS SRW Network Manager, an enterprise-wide software application that will provide network management and planning capabilities for JTRS Radios.
As a result of the successful test, the AN/PRC-117G and SRW Network Manager are now ready for Formal Qualification Testing.
Warfighters use the network manager to generate and load mission plans and also for real-time monitoring of JTRS radio networks, along with other functions.
SRW is being developed to provide tactical voice, high-bandwidth data and battlefield networking connectivity to forces at the front of the fight.
The integration took place in collaboration with the JTRS Joint Program Executive Office Network Enterprise Domain.
“Integration of the AN/PRC-117G with the JTRS SRW Network Manager is an exciting step,” said Brendan O’Connell, president, Department of Defense business unit, Harris RF Communications. “It illustrates the power and flexibility of the radio’s open architecture and represents another milestone for the JTRS Enterprise Business Model.”
Developed under the JTRS Enterprise Business Model (EBM), the AN/PRC-117G is the first JTRS SCA-certified and NSA Type-1 certified wideband manpack radio system. With its fully integrated and NSA-certified High Assurance Internet Protocol Equipment (HAIPE) networking encryption, the AN/PRC-117G provides the highest level of information assurance to tactical commanders and deployed forces in the field, the company said in a statement.
Harris recently said it received it’s latest DoD order, a $10.5 million order from the Pentagon to supply Falcon III PRC-117G multiband manpack radio systems (Defense Daily, Dec. 17).
The JTRS EBM encourages companies to develop next-generation solutions in tactical communications using their own investment capital to integrate waveform software maintained by the JPEO JTRS Information Repository. In doing so, the EBM stimulates competition, increases innovation, reduces costs through waveform software reuse and speeds development of important capabilities, the company said.