Harris enhances Falcon III battlefield networking

Harris Corporation, an international communications and information technology company, is broadening the deployment of network-enabled missions with the latest software release for the Falcon III AN/PRC-117G multiband manpack radio system software.

The new software release adds two significant capabilities to the Adaptive Wideband Networking Waveform (ANW2), which is currently deployed to Afghanistan in the AN/PRC-117G by various branches of the US Department of Defense.

The software upgrade expands the size of a single wideband tactical radio sub-network to 30 individual nodes. This increase gives tactical commanders greater flexibility in planning and managing their missions on a single, integrated network. The availability of 30-node networks dramatically expands the area of network coverage in the field, providing greater communications range and leading to improved command and control and collaboration. The ANW2 30-node networking mode is ideal for voice, situational awareness, and short messaging services. For instance, commanders who have real-time information about where their personnel are located become more effective in critical situations, such as fires de-confliction - directing artillery away from friendly forces.

The second major new ANW2 capability is a novel "Sky Mode" for airborne applications, allowing key leaders in aircraft to exchange data, including video, with units on the ground while a mission is underway. Sky Mode provides greater range and is optimized for airborne ISR and range extension applications.

"The continued success of the AN/PRC-117G and its robust wideband networking capabilities has allowed us to make these enhancements to the ANW2 waveform," said Brendan O'Connell, president, Department of Defense business, Harris RF Communications. "These enhancements will deliver more mission flexibility, broader collaboration and enhanced situational awareness to the tactical edge.

"We are excited to be asked by the Army to deploy the AN/PRC-117G and the 30-node capabilities of ANW2 at this summer's Network Integration Evaluation at Fort Bliss."

The AN/PRC-117G is delivering mobile wideband networking and high-bandwidth applications to forward-deployed forces of the US Army and US Marine Corps as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. The radio is also deployed by federal agencies and US allies.

Source: Harris RF Communications

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