Rockwell Collins’ AN/PRC-162 radio Type-1 NSA certified

Rockwell Collins has received National Security Agency (NSA) Type-1 certification for its AN/PRC-162 (V)1 RT-2048(C)U military ground radio, the company announced on 26 September.

The certification validates that the radio provides protected handling of classified information up to and including Top Secret, as required for military operations.

The AN/PRC-162, which is a man-portable and vehicle-mountable two-channel ground radio, will enable the US armed forces to tap into new communications capabilities such as the US Department of Defense’s Mobile User Objective System while maintaining interoperability with legacy waveforms. An open-architecture design allows for software-upgradeable capabilities in the future.

Troy Brunk, vice president and general manager, communication, navigation and electronic warfare solutions for Rockwell Collins, said: 'The NSA certification is a big step on our journey to provide troops with the latest communications technology available for operating in a more complex, multi-domain battlespace. We’ve leveraged decades of proven experience in airborne communications to develop a ground radio that will provide users with a heightened level of situational awareness and a tactical advantage.'