Harris’ Three, Two, One…Falcon III® Is A First… Two Channels In One Chassis (SATCOM)

[SaNews] This is the first commercially developed radio with two radio channels in a single chassis that enables warfighters to communicate over multiple networks simultaneously.

Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS) has introduced a multi-channel radio that will enable the U.S. Department of Defense to realize the fullest potential of the networked battlefield. The new Harris Falcon III® Multi-channel Manpack radio was unveiled today at Harris’ Booth #1725 at the 2013 Association of the United States Army (AUSA) conference in Washington, D.C.

The Harris Falcon III Multi-channel Manpack is the first commercially developed radio with two radio channels in a single chassis. This enables warfighters to communicate over multiple networks simultaneously.

The new radio is the first commercially developed manpack to integrate two radio channels into a single chassis. This allows warfighters to send and receive voice and data over multiple networks simultaneously, creating a more complete common operational picture while dramatically enhancing situational awareness and mission command.

Developed under the Harris commercial business model, the Multi-channel Manpack is based on the company’s combat-proven Falcon III® line of wideband networking radios.

“We applied real-life battlefield lessons to create a multi-channel radio that will transform military tactical communications,” said George Helm, president, Department of Defense business, Harris RF Communications. “This new radio will provide warfighters with the same performance and innovation they have come to expect from Harris’ field-proven Falcon III family of radios. This is truly the DoD’s radio of tomorrow, delivered today.”

The Falcon III Multi-channel Manpack is one-third smaller than the program-of-record radio, hosts all required U.S. government wideband and narrowband waveforms and is expandable for future upgrades and capabilities. The radio supports multi-channel cross-banding to improve range, interoperability and performance. Each channel supports the full suite of waveforms without requiring expensive add-on appliqués. The Multi-channel Manpack requires only a single battery, minimizing size and weight for the dismounted soldier.

Harris developed the new radio to meet the requirements of the DoD’s Handheld, Manpack and Small Form Factor radio program. The company recently was awarded a $140 million contract to provide a 2-channel Falcon III radio solution for the Army’s Mid-Tier Networking Vehicle Radio program.