Combat-net radio Network Upgrades for Enhanced Military Operations

The Combat-net radio Network Upgrades have been a game-changer for military operations, allowing for seamless communication and coordination between troops in the field.

These upgrades have enabled the military to achieve faster and more reliable communication, with the ability to transmit data at speeds of up to 256 kbps.

The new network architecture has also improved the security of the network, with advanced encryption methods and firewalls in place to protect against cyber threats.

This has given military personnel greater confidence in their ability to communicate securely, even in the most challenging environments.

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The U.S. Army has awarded contracts for the Combat Net Radio (CNR) program, a key part of their network modernization effort. The CNR is a single-channel voice and data radio designed to phase out aging SINCGARS radios.

The contract was awarded to L3Harris Technologies, Inc. and Thales Defense Security, Inc. in March 2022. The value of initial delivery orders is $20.6M for L3Harris and $18.2M for Thales.

The CNR effort supports the Army's unified network strategy by providing assured command and control voice, and limited Fires and Air Defense data in environments where access to the Integrated Tactical Network (ITN) is degraded. It will also enhance frequency hopping and transmission security.

The CNR program is one part of the SINCGARS modernization strategy, which includes the fielding of HMS Manpack and Leader tactical data radios, and the modernization of cryptographic devices. This will enable multiple communications options for commanders.

The overall CNR contract ceiling is $6.1B and delivery orders can be placed against this contract until March 2032. The Army plans to field the CNR to its first equipped unit in FY24.

The CNR is a critical enabler of multipath diversity and for continued network modernization at the tactical edge. Its reprogrammable nature lends itself to the Army's capability set approach and the ability to upgrade over time.

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Combat-net radio relies on radio technology and deployment to transmit critical information between units.

The most common type of radio used for combat-net radio is the AN/PRC-152, which operates on the 30-87.5 MHz frequency band.

This radio is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry in the field.

It also has a range of up to 10 kilometers, allowing units to stay in contact even in rugged terrain.

In addition to the AN/PRC-152, the AN/PRC-117 is also used for combat-net radio, operating on the 30-87.5 MHz frequency band.

The US armed forces are replacing the RT-1523 Very High Frequency (VHF) series transceiver with the AN/PRC-148 Joint Tactical Radio System Enhanced Multiband Inter/Intra Team Radio (IMBITR).

This new radio will carry the SINCGARS waveform, which is used throughout the US armed forces, and will also accommodate the Integrated Waveform for satellite communications and Project-25 (APCO-25) waveform.

The AN/PRC-148 will provide enhanced Transmission and Communications Security (TRANSEC/COMSEC) compared to the radios it replaces.

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The new radios will have a similar shape and size to the legacy RT-1523 series, making it easier to retrofit them into existing vehicles.

The CNR programme is part of the wider HMS initiative, which is led by the US Army's Programme Executive Office – Command, Control, Communications Tactical (PEO-C3T) office.

A significant portion of the 300,000 RT-1523 series SINCGARS radios, some of which have been in service since the 1980s, will be phased out by the CNR effort.

The new CNR transceivers will ensure interoperability with the legacy radios, allowing them to communicate with each other.

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Deployment is a crucial step in the life cycle of radio technology. It involves installing and configuring the system to meet the specific needs of the user.

The deployment process typically begins with a thorough site survey to determine the optimal location for the radio equipment. This survey helps identify potential sources of interference and ensures the system will operate within the desired range.

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Radio frequency (RF) propagation patterns play a significant role in determining the coverage area of the system. Understanding these patterns is essential for effective deployment and ensuring that the signal reaches all intended areas.

The choice of antenna type and orientation can greatly impact the system's performance. For example, a directional antenna can be used to focus the signal in a specific direction, while an omnidirectional antenna provides coverage in all directions.

Proper cabling and grounding are also critical for a successful deployment. This includes using high-quality cables and ensuring that all connections are secure and free from noise.

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The Combat Net Radio (CNR) is undergoing rigorous testing to ensure its reliability and effectiveness on the battlefield. The first article testing phase consists of environmental tests, lab-based tests, and field-based tests.

These environmental tests will include ballistic, shock, and temperature testing, which will be conducted at the vendor's facilities and observed by the Defence Contract Management Agency (DCMA). The tests will assess the radio's durability and performance in extreme conditions.

The first article testing phase is expected to take between four and six weeks in June and July, after which additional testing will follow in the form of an Operational User Assessment (OUA).

The first article testing phase is a crucial step in the development of the Combat Net Radio, and it's expected to take around four to six weeks in June and July.

This phase will involve environmental tests, lab-based tests, and field-based tests, including ballistic, shock, and temperature testing, as well as preliminary testing of the radio's software, hardware, and functions.

The Defence Contract Management Agency will supervise and manage these environmental tests, which will be conducted at the vendor's facilities.

Let's take a look at some examples of military radio systems. The AN/PRC-152 by Harris Corporation is a great example of a handheld radio system that's widely used by military forces around the world.

The AN/PRC-152 has a range of up to 30 kilometers and can operate in a variety of environments, including in urban and jungle terrain.

Here are some examples of military radio systems: