DSEi 2011: US warfighters set to receive Iridium upgrade
Dismounted US forces operating in Afghanistan are set to receive the latest upgrade to ITT's Netted Iridium RO and C2 tactical radios, Iridium Communications have revealed.
Speaking to Shephard at DSEi on 15 September, company executives said the Phase III upgrade would extend the radio system's range yet further from its current 200-250 mile radius by up to 300%. However, they were unable to comment on when the software upgrades would be implemented.
In its original form, the RO radio boasted a range radius of 100 miles but a Phase II upgrade, which began in 2010, saw this more than doubled. A total of around 6,500 systems have been fielded to the US Marine Corps and other units in Afghanistan in order to provide secure voice and data communications for dispersed soldiers.
According to Iridium, the systems rely on low-earth orbiting, non-geostationary Iridium satellite constellation. It is thought the Phase III upgrade incorporated the utilisation of satellite crosslinks.
Additionally, an ITT spokesperson said the company was also planning on integrating a mapping attachment called 'RO Map'. This is designed to improve a warfighter's situation awareness although the spokesperson was unable to provide more details.
The RO Tactical Radio relies on the Distributed Tactical Communications System architecture and the Defense Information Systems Agency's Enhanced Mobile Satellite Service.
More from Digital Battlespace
-
British Army’s ISR commander warns of new challenges facing defence forces
The race between using ISR and resisting the use of it by enemies has accelerated, leading to new methods and systems being required, according to the British Army’s lead on its ISR efforts.
-
Jacobs wins MoD cyber-security support contract
The deal with Jacobs will run until November 2027 and will see the company deliver a range of digital and IT specialist professional services to Defence Digital.
-
Orbit upgrades two multi-purpose terminals and carries out land testing
The communications company has upgraded two of its Beyond Line-of-Sight Multi-Purpose Terminals (MBTs) by introducing advancements in satellite communication technology and AI-driven maintenance capabilities.
-
Norway to receive maritime surveillance satellite data from Kongsberg
Norway's Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace has announced that its subsidiary Kongsberg NanoAvionics will produce three satellites and launch them in 2025.
-
First South Korean 425 Project observation satellite launched
In 2015, South Korea named a consortium of Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Hanwha Systems, along with Thales Alenia Space providing the SAR payload derived from its HE-R1000 product, as preferred bidder to develop new Korea 425 Project reconnaissance satellites.