Radios connect across 2,000 miles with MUOS

Defying line-of-sight limitations, two AN/PRC-155 manpack radios connected from 2,000 miles apart. Users in Phoenix, Arizona and Taunton, Massachusetts, used Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellites to connect, according to General Dynamics. The demonstration happened in August 2014.

General Dynamics described the multiple links of the test. First, operators using PRC-154A Rifleman radios in Taunton formed a local network using the Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW). The group included a nearby two-channel PRC-155, which used one of its channels to bridge the SRW communications, and tuned into the MUOS satellite frequency using its second channel.

From Taunton, through the MUOS satellites, voice and data reached a second PRC-155 in Phoenix. "The second PRC-155 Manpack radio then seamlessly bridged the MUOS communications on one channel to the SINCGARS frequency needed to connect with the second dismounted talk group of users communicating using SINGCARS radios, creating a real-time satellite communications 'radio check' voice conversation that was loud and clear among the radio operators in both Taunton and Phoenix," General Dynamics said.

More In C2/Comms

Ukrainian drones hit all three Baltic States − did Russia redirect them?

It’s unclear if Russia is actively redirecting drones or whether the incursions are simply a byproduct of electronic-warfare defenses and flight distance.

Opinion

The military’s fabled ‘human in the loop’ for AI is dangerously misleading

A “human in the loop” whose sole function is to approve a machine’s actions is not a safeguard but a design failure, argues Mikey Dickerson.

German army eyes AI tools to expedite wartime decision-making

Taking cues from combat operations in Ukraine, the German army wants to exploit battlefield data to predict the dynamics of future conflicts.

US and UK teaming up to destroy underwater drones

America and Britain are joining forces to tackle the threat of underwater drones to ports and other critical infrastructure.

Dutch armed forces to add drone operators to combat brigades

The Dutch military will expand that capability “significantly” by deploying 1,000 to 1,200 personnel specifically for drone and counter-drone operations.