First Airborne Software Defined Radio System displayed at Air Show
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Rockwell Collins has showcased its newly delivered ARC-210 RT-1939 Gen5 radio at this year's Paris Air Show, two months after announcing the "landmark" development in the use of software defined radio.
The system was provided under contract to Navair's air combat electronic programmes office, becoming the first airborne radio to provide every armed service with the capability to meet the U.S. National Security Agency's cryptographic modernization initiative.
Aside to retaining previous functionality, the new generation system offers enhanced connectivity for warfighters in its networking of Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW), linking troops on the ground to support in the air. The enhancements are aimed to improve reaction and response in theatre and provide a boon to survivability.
The upgraded radio systems will be installed in numerous aircraft, including the V-22 Osprey [image: U.S. DoD]
Over 30,000 previous generation ARC-210 systems are today installed on 182 different types of platforms worldwide.
According to Bruce King, the general manager of Communications Products at Rockwell Collins: "It provides a clear pathway for the Department of Defence to acquire an affordable, reliable and secure networking solution for any type of aircraft."
Current fourth generation ARC-210 ("Warrior") is, at present, the standard radio across U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force platforms, but will soon be phased out as the upgrade will be applied to the MH-60 helicopter, F/A-18, F-15, F-16, and V-22 Osprey tilt rotor, with 300 radios delivered before 2012.
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