US DoD orders more Falcon III manpack radios

The US Department of Defense (DoD) has ordered additional Falcon III RF-340M multi-channel manpack radios from Harris Corporation, the company announced on 12 September.

The RF-340M integrates two radio channels into a single chassis, allowing users to operate simultaneously on multiple networks for enhanced command and control. The radio also includes an expansion slot capable of adding capabilities to address emerging and unique mission needs in areas such as higher-speed wideband networking, satellite communications and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

George Helm, president, DoD business, Harris RF Communications, said: ‘This is our second order for the RF-340M, demonstrating the growing interest in Harris’ next-generation, two-channel solution for mounted and dismounted tactical communications.

‘The RF-340M’s ability to send and receive voice and data over multiple networks simultaneously significantly enhances a warfighter’s situational awareness and mission command capability. This is the DoD’s radio of tomorrow, delivered today.’

Harris developed the multi-channel manpack to meet the requirements of the DoD’s Handheld, Manpack, Small Form Factor tactical radio programme, with additional capabilities to address all branches of the DoD.

Each of the two radio channels will host all required US government wideband and narrowband waveforms, including the next-generation narrowband Mobile User Objective System waveform, without the need for add-on hardware modules. It also supports multi-channel cross-banding and requires only a single battery, minimising size and weight for the dismounted soldier.