US Space Force increases efforts to plug training capabilities gaps
The service has been seeking simulation and emulation solutions capable of reproducing multiple in-orbit threats.
Harris Corporation will develop a new narrowband mode of the Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW) for the US Department of Defense under a three year contract from the National Spectrum Consortium announced on 11 January.
The new narrowband mode will decrease the amount of spectrum required when deploying an infantry brigade combat team, extending point-to-point communications range, providing electronic counter-countermeasures, and enabling reliable voice and data communications transmission over varying terrain.
The narrowband mode, which will be included on all US Army programme of record tactical radios, will complement the wideband SRW which is used to transmit higher bandwidth information, such as video and images over shorter point-to-point distances.
The narrowband mode of SRW will also enhance network scalability, allowing more users – including other US services and coalition partners – on the network without degrading reliability or performance.
Chris Young, president, Harris Communication Systems, said: ‘The new narrowband waveform is part of the US Army’s continued modernisation efforts that are providing warfighters with ever-increasing capabilities. The Harris team will apply our expertise in waveforms and tactical radios to develop and deliver this needed waveform to warfighters on the battlefield.’
The service has been seeking simulation and emulation solutions capable of reproducing multiple in-orbit threats.
The service has been conducting several acquisition and upgrading efforts involving artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve communication, data analysis and ISR systems.
The Syracuse 4B communications satellite, developed by Airbus and Thales Alenia Space, was launched last year, bolstering secure military satellite communications for the French Armed Forces. Thales has now been selected to provide terminals for vehicles.
The growing importance of space in modern warfare, advancements in satellite technology, and increasing threats from rivals like China and Russia were among the topics of a Eurosatory 2024 panel on military space operations.
AN/ARC-232A is a Starfire radio that provides VHF/UHF communications to airborne platforms and the transceiver is software-programmable, allowing for multiple waveform support as well as optional national electronic counter counter-measure (ECCM) capability.
During the 18-month period of the contract, Lockheed Martin will apply Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) techniques to create surrogate models of aircraft, sensors, electronic warfare and weapons within dynamic and operationally representative environments.