General Dynamics bags DMR radio order

General Dynamics Mission Systems has received a contract modification from the US Navy to build and deliver over 30 AN/USC-61(C) Digital Modular Radios (DMRs), along with related materials and equipment, the company announced on 19 May.

The DMRs will be used for the navy’s surface vessels and submarines. General Dynamics received the original contract in 2010, and the contract modification exercises the sixth option to the contract.

Most of the work related to the latest contract will be carried out at General Dynamics' Scottsdale, Arizona, location.

DMR radios enable commanders and sailors to talk and share data with a wide spectrum of military radios. They use the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) waveform to connect with the MUOS satellite communications network.

A single four-channel DMR can simultaneously support communications using single-channel Ground and Airborne Radio Systems (SINCGARS) Line of Sight, Ultra-High Frequency satellite networks and other tactical, High Frequency radios.

Paul Parent, vice president, radio products, General Dynamics Mission Systems, said: ‘This contract demonstrates the navy's continuing trust in DMR as it keeps pace with new and innovative communications technology for sailors and their commanders to securely connect with one another anywhere, everywhere, worldwide.

‘The new radios, like the 550 DMRs already delivered to the navy, are updated and upgraded using software, leaving the basic hardware in place, cost-effectively increasing radio functionality and versatility year after year.’