Harris, L-3 Communications add integrated ISR video to Falcon III radios

Harris Corporation and L-3 Communication Systems-West have integrated the capability to receive and view battlefield video with advanced tactical voice and data communications in a lightweight Harris handheld military radio.

At the annual Association of the US Army (AUSA) Exposition in Washington, D.C., Harris and L-3 demonstrated a device that integrates the Harris Falcon III AN/PRC-152 radio platform with the L-3 Soldier Intelligence Receiver (SIR), a portable handheld tactical receiver that receives video downlinks from ISR platforms.

Currently ISR data and ground tactical communications are handled using separate and often non-interoperable technologies. The integrated technology from Harris and L-3 provides users with interoperable voice, data and ISR communications in a single package.

“Integrating L-3’s SIR with the AN/PRC-152 addresses the urgent need to deliver full motion video and actionable information directly to the tactical edge in a lightweight, multimission form factor,” said Brendan O’Connell, president, Department of Defense business, Harris RF Communications. “This combination handheld radio/video receiver delivers superior situational awareness by enabling users to view and receive video while maintaining short- and long-range communication links. Harris is committed to developing advanced tactical communications solutions that increasingly offer a range of integrated ISR capabilities to the warfighter.”

“L-3 is pleased to partner with Harris in demonstrating this revolutionary combination of a best-in-class tactical radio with a best-in-class video receiver,” said Susan D. Opp, corporate vice president and president of L-3’s Communication Systems Group. “Both companies have listened to our customers to provide this latest-technology solution for their urgent needs. We remain committed to seeking better ways to support the warfighter through agility and innovation.”

The AN/PRC-152 is the most widely deployed handheld radio to be certified as compliant with the JTRS Software Communications Architecture. The US Department of Defense and allies have acquired more than 125,000 AN/PRC-152 radios around the world.

SIR is an IP-based, multi-band, secure digital and analog receiver designed for ease of integration, all within a very small package. The SIR is the smallest tactical ISR receiver on the market, weighing less than one pound and providing a variety of external interfaces to allow connectivity to virtually any existing display device, computer, power source or Soldier System.

Source: Harris Corp

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