Rohde & Schwarz radios for F-16 Block 70​ aircraft

Rohde & Schwarz has been selected by Lockheed Martin as the preferred supplier of airborne radio communications for new production F-16 Block 70 aircraft, the company announced on 20 November.

The F-16 Block 70 is the newest and most advanced F-16 production configuration. Rohde & Schwarz will provide its AN/ARC-238 software-defined radio (SDR) for the aircraft for international customers.

The AN/ARC-238 is the US version of the company’s R&S MR6000R/L radio. The AN/ARC-238 consists of two transceivers, one installed in the avionic bay, remotely controlled; and one installed in the cockpit controllable by a local control panel.

The radio is capable of covering the frequency range from 30MHz to 400MHz and supporting the NATO frequency hopping algorithms (TRANSEC) HAVE QUICK II and SATURN. The Rohde & Schwarz waveform R&SSECOS combines TRANSEC and COMSEC functionality in a single waveform and protects voice and data communications against eavesdropping.

Stefan Pleyer, vice president market segment avionics, Rohde & Schwarz, said: ‘The capabilities provided by our software-defined airborne radios are a game-changer for any air force that flies the F-16. We are proud to work with Lockheed Martin, delivering AN/ARC-238 SDRs systems for the F-16 Block 70. The SDR’s excellent RF characteristics make it suitable for applications in military environments including all types of airborne platforms.’