[SatNews] “This successful demonstration represents a very important step for the Army in fielding a critical mid-tier solution that will enhance the robustness of the tactical network.”
Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS) tactical radio systems successfully connected soldiers on the move with their command headquarters during the initial demonstration of the U.S. Army’s new Mid-Tier Networking Vehicular Radio (MNVR) program.
The MNVR program is designed to seamlessly connect vehicular-based soldiers to the Army tactical network. The program can also extend Warfighter Information Network–Tactical (WIN-T) services into the terrestrial network, providing enhanced throughput and range for communication requirements at the tactical edge.
Soldiers used the Harris Falcon III® AN/VRC-118 MNVR solution, operating the JTRS Wideband Networking Waveform (WNW), to provide wireless enterprise services including email, tactical chat and rapid file downloads. The effort was conducted during the Army’s Network Integration Evaluation (NIE) 14.2 at Fort Bliss, Texas, in advance of initial delivery of production units in June of this year.
The Army awarded the $140 million MNVR contract to Harris in September 2013 following a competitive procurement. The radios for this demonstration were delivered within six months of contract award.
“This successful demonstration represents a very important step for the Army in fielding a critical mid-tier solution that will enhance the robustness of the tactical network,” said George Helm, president, Department of Defense business, Harris RF Communications. “This is the first time soldiers have used the MNVR and government-owned WNW in the field for transmitting high-bandwidth tactical information. The performance of Harris’ AN/VRC-118 MNVR solution with WNW sets the stage for a successful limited user test this fall and showcases industry’s ability to quickly deliver breakthrough capabilities through full and open competition in tactical radios.”
The Harris AN/VRC-118 system provides two channels of tactical voice and data capability. In addition to WNW, the radio also operates the government-owned, open-standard Soldier Radio Waveform. Harris is the global leader in tactical wideband networking, with more than 45,000 Falcon III wideband radios deployed around the world.
Harris RF Communications is a global supplier of secure radio communications and embedded encryption solutions for military, government and commercial organizations. The company’s Falcon® family of software-defined tactical radio systems encompasses manpack, handheld and vehicular applications. Falcon III® is the next generation of radios supporting the U.S. military’s Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) requirements, as well as network-centric operations worldwide. Harris RF Communications also supplies communications® systems and equipment for public safety, utility and transportation markets ranging from IP voice and data networks to portable and mobile single- and multiband radios.
Harris is an international communications and information technology company serving government and commercial markets in more than 125 countries. Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, the company has approximately $5 billion of annual revenue and about 14,000 employees— including 6,000 engineers and scientists. Additional information about Harris Corporation is available at.
