Raytheon provides tactical networked communications in Indian military field demonstration

Raytheon Company has successfully proved its tactical networked communications capabilities using the Enhanced Position Location Reporting System-Extended Frequency-International (EPLRS-XF-I) during a second-phase field demonstration in support of India's modernization efforts.

System performance during the April 2010 demo was marked by a highly reliable 2-Mbps (millions of bits per second or megabits per second) - the first time this has been demonstrated with EPLRS internationally - across distances exceeding 30 km (18.6 miles), using stationary as well as mobile nodes. It provided for the simultaneous voice, video and data communication, yet in an easy-to-use, simplified architecture.

"Working with Precision Electronics Limited of Noida, India, we have shown Bharat Electronics Limited and the Indian Ministry of Defence that the EPLRS family of radios provides a tailored, low-risk netted communications solution to meet specific MoD requirements," said Brian McKeon, vice president, Raytheon Network Centric Systems Integrated Communications Systems.

The demonstration featured networked communications for a battlefield surveillance solution. The versatile communications unit supplied a secure, wireless network system in static and mobile operating environments where the network infrastructure did not initially exist.

EPLRS is one of the most widely used tactical wireless networks today, with more than 25,000 units fielded across the US armed services, Canada and Australia. The XF-I system uses the most advanced EPLRS waveform available for communications, critical position location information and effective electronic counter-countermeasures. It provides a robust, self-healing network that automatically adapts to network changes, including in difficult urban environments.

Source: Raytheon