The US Naval Research Lab (NRL) has awarded a contract to Rockwell Collins to deliver its TacNet Tactical Radio (TTR), which will provide troops with increased survivability.
The contract will help in spread Link 16 networking communication capabilities across a wide range of military platforms.
Bob Haag, Rockwell Collins Communication and Navigation Products vice president and general manager, said: "The TacNet tactical radio opens up Link 16 networked communications to a wide range of new users and gives warfighters the connectivity they need to successfully complete missions."
Weighing less than 10lb, TTR features selectable output power with 1w, 50w and 90w transmission modes, free air convection cooling and volume of less than 185in3, as well as data, imagery and Link 16 digital voice capabilities.
Capable of adapting easily to naval warfare situations, TTR offers high-power output and safeguards the forces by providing a common operating scenario through Link 16 networked communications to forces.
The radio can also be used by other military platforms, including unmanned aerial systems, rotary wing aircraft, forward air controllers, military vehicles, mobile and transportable ground stations, in addition to small maritime assets that lacked access to Link 16 capability.
Link 16 capability serves as the primary joint data link for US and coalition forces; it integrates command and control data, while providing real-time, jam-resistant data communications, including sharing of targeting and situational awareness data between joint and coalition partners.
Deliveries of the small form factor terminal will begin by February 2013.
Image: TTR uses Link 16 networked communications to provide forces with an accurate picture of operations. Photo: courtesy of Rockwell Collins.
