Sweden to receive Selex Elsag battlefield radios

Selex Elsag has announced that it has been selected by CELAB Communications, on behalf of Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, FMV, to supply a communication system to meet the battlefield needs of the Swedish Home Guard under a contract announced on 24 September.

Under the contract, Selex Elsag will supply 8,700 EZPRR man-worn systems and around 50 vehicle systems in a phased programme of delivery ending in September 2013.

According to the company, the Enhanced Encrypted Personal Role Radio (EZPRR) communications system will be used for voice and data transmission between Group/Squad leaders, platoon commanders and platoon vehicles (tracked, wheeled and boats), as well as for internal group/squad communications.

The operationally proven EZPRR is designed to significant enhance combat effectiveness by providing all informed communications to front line soldiers. Selex Elsag said that users on active service ‘have described the introduction of the original PRR as having a profound effect on the operational effectiveness of infantry’.

The system uses advanced 2.4GHz spread spectrum technology packaged to meet the demanding needs of the soldier. It is designed with a simple human-machine interface, and is ‘unobtrusive and comfortable to wear yet is rugged enough to sustain the harshest environments presented by active front line operations’.

The modularity of the EZPRR design leads to flexibility and its use in many scenarios. It includes a unique wireless Press-To-Talk (PTT) that enables the user to operate the radio without removing his hands from his weapon. It has an interchangeable switch pack that allows configuration to different roles (e.g., interface to a commander’s radio), and audio ancillaries that can be tailored to suit the needs of all users.

The EZPRR can be configured in two roles. The PRR body is fitted with one of two interchangeable PTT switch assemblies: Single PTT Switch Pack, where a single user operates the EZPRR only; or as a?Dual PTT Switch Pack, where commander is able to connect to the EZPRR and Combat Net Radio (CNR). Second radio interfaces can be provided for MBITR, Harris, SINCGARS, PR4G, Bowman, TETRA, ICOM, Motorola and other professional radios.