SINCGARS
A SINCGARS is being operated from within a HMMWV
Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS) is a Combat Net Radio (CNR) currently used by U.S. and allied military forces. The radios, which handle voice and data communications, are designed to be reliable, secure, and easily maintained. Vehicle-mount, backpack, airborne, and handheld form factors are available.
SINCGARS uses 25 kHz channels in the very high frequency (VHF) FM band, from 30 to 87.975 Megahertz (MHz). It has single-frequency and frequency hopping modes. The frequency-hopping mode hops 111 times a second.
The SINCGARS family has mostly replaced the Vietnam-war-era synthesized single frequency radios (AN/PRC-77 and AN/VRC-12), although it can work with them. The airborne AN/ARC-201 radio is phasing out the older tactical air-to-ground radios (AN/ARC-114 and AN/ARC-131).
Over 570,000 radios have been purchased.[1] There have been several system improvement programs, including the Integrated Communications Security (ICOM) models, which have provided integrated voice and data encryption, the Special Improvement Program (SIP) models, which add additional data modes, and the advanced SIP (ASIP) models, which are less than half the size and weight of ICOM and SIP models and provided enhanced FEC (forward error correction) data modes, RS-232 asynchronous data, Packet Data formats, and direct interfacing to Precision Lightweight GPS Receiver (PLGR) devices providing radio level situational awareness capability.
In 1992, the U.S. Air Force awarded a contract to replace the AN/ARC-188 for communications between Air Force aircraft and Army units.
Timeline
A Marine Corps 2nd Lt operates a PRC 119 during training in Quantico, Virginia
- November 1983: ITT Corporation (ITT) wins the contract for the first type of radio, for ground troops.
- May 1985: ITT wins the contract for the airborne SINCGARS.
- July 1988: General Dynamics wins a second-source contract for the ground radio.
- April 1989: ITT reaches "Milestone IIIB": full-rate production.
- December 1990: 1st Division is equipped.
- December 1991: General Dynamics wins the "Option 1 Award" for the ground radio.
- March 1992: ITT wins a "Ground and Airborne" award.
- July 1992: Magnavox Electronics Systems Company develops the airborne SINCGARS AN/ARC-222 for the Air Force
- August 1993: General Dynamics achieves full rate production.
- April 1994: ITT and General Dynamics compete for the ground radio.
- May 1994: ITT wins a sole-source contract for the airborne radio.
- 1997: ITT became the sole source supplier of the new half-size RT-1523E radio to the US Army.
- 2006: The RT-1523F/SideHat configuration provides a 2-channel capability.
- July 2009: ITT wins RT-1523G platform development, $363 Million Dollar Contract. Partnered with Thales Communications Inc.
- 2012: Capability Set 14 to provide Universal Network Situational Awareness to help prevent air-to-ground friendly fire incidents.[2]
- May 2016: Harris Corp. is awarded a $405 Million Dollar contract by Moroccan Army concerning SINGARS system equipement including ancillary items, spare parts, installation kits, training and fielding support services. One bid was solicited with one received, with an estimated completion date of April 21, 2021.[3]
Models
| Model | Year Introduced | Quantity Produced | Features | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RT-1439 | 1988 | 16,475 | The SINCGARS baseline radio provided non-secure ECCM frequency hopping and single channel FM voice and data capability over the 30 - 87.975 MHz band. The RT-1439 provided an interface for an external COMSEC device for secure operations. It could be deployed in a manpack configuration, and in conjunction with other equipment in a vehicular configuration. |  RT-1439 |
| RT-1523 (ICOM) | 1990 | 39,375 | The RT-1523 provided all features in the RT-1439, but also contained an integrated KY-57 compatible COMSEC module for secure frequency hopping operations. The RT-1523 included a keypad assembly to provide enhanced display and control functions for the operator. |  RT-1523 |
| RT-1523A | General Dynamics model | |||
| RT-1523B (ICOM) | 1994 | 37,363 | The RT-1523B provided improved COSITE performance and increased battery life. It marked significant performance improvements with the introduction of the enhanced message completion algorithm. |  RT-1523B |
| RT-1523C (SIP) | 1996 | 35,152 | The RT-1523C(C)/U introduced several new features to the SINCGARS family. The RAILMAN COMSEC device was embedded in the RT-1523C design. The RT-1523C also introduced the Reed-Solomon Forward Error Correction algorithms to increase throughput, improve bit error rates, and improve interference protection resulting in improved/extended range performance. GPS position reporting was also embedded in all voice and Enhanced Data Mode messages to provide reporting of friendly force position in support of Situational Awareness. A new FH packet data waveform and channel access algorithm also provided for mixed voice and packet data operations in a common net. |  RT-1523C |
| RT-1523D (SIP) | General Dynamics model | |||
| RT-1523E (ASIP) | 1998 | 136,027 | The RT-1523E was designed to include all the features of the RT-1523C, at half the size and weight, with virtually no degradation in capabilities or performance relative to the SIP RT. The RT-1523E introduced a new frequency hopping mode of operation, called SINCGARS Mode 2. The new SINCGARS Mode 2 comprises all the same Mode 1 FH configurations but under a new TRANSEC security umbrella. The RT-1523E is reprogrammable via the front panel data connector. |  RT-1523E |
| RT-1523F (ASIP) | 2006 | 273,037 | The RT-1523F pictured with SideHat provides a SINCGARS ASIP 2-channel radio, based upon the design of the RT-1523E. The RT-1523F program was structured into two phases. The first phase inserted the required physical and electrical interfaces into the ASIP RT-1523E in a manner that accommodates an Auxiliary Module, which provides the second channel. The second phase of the program developed the Auxiliary Module. The Auxiliary Module can be attached externally to the RT-1523F radio chassis on the left side when facing the front panel. The primary distinction between the RT-1523F and its predecessor RT-1523E is the addition of this interface. The RT-1523F also introduced the Radio Based Combat ID (RBCI) capability. This enhancement allows the radio to operate as a RBCI Interrogator, a RBCI RE-Relay, and it allows it to add RBCI Responder functionality to any of its FH voice or data modes. The RT-1523F also introduced the Radio Based Situational Awareness (RBSA) enhancement to the existing SA capabilities of the ASIP radios. |  RT-1523F with SideHat |
| RT-1523G (ASIP) | 2010 | 12,029 | The RT-1523G provides all features and functions of the RT-1523F. Additionally, the RT-1523G provides Crypto- Modernization and JTRS SCA Compliance for the SINCGARS program. An upgrade path will be available to bring all RT-1523E and RT-1523F radios to the RT-1523G configuration. |  RT-1523G |
| RT-1730C | Modified RT-1523C for Naval applications. | |||
| RT-1730E | Modified RT-1523E for Naval applications | |||
| RT-1702F | Export version of the RT-1523F |  RT-1702F | ||
| RT-1702G | Updated manpack radio with 10 watt output for Iraq |  RT-1702G |
RT-1523 VHF radio configurations
VRC-89, two radios installed
| Configuration | Description[4] |
|---|---|
| AN/VRC-87 | Vehicular 5 watt short-range |
| AN/VRC-88 | Vehicular 5 watt short-range dismountable – with manpack accessories |
| AN/VRC-89 | Vehicular 50 watt long-range/short-range |
| AN/VRC-90 | Vehicular 50 watt long-range |
| AN/VRC-91 | Vehicular 50 watt long-range dismountable short-range – with manpack accessories |
| AN/VRC-92 | Vehicular 50 watt dual long-range (retransmit) – plus 2nd power amp and retrans cable |
| AN/PRC-119 | 5 watt manpack |
Ancillary items
- SideHat - The 'SideHat' is a simple radio solution that attaches to existing SINCGARS radio installations, offering rapid, affordable and interoperable wideband network communications for Early Infantry Brigade Combat Team (E-IBCT) deployments and other Soldier radio waveform (SRW) applications.[5]
- SINCGARS Airborne - The AN/ARC-201 System Improvement Program (SIP) airborne radio is a reliable, field-proven voice and data battlespace communications system with networking capabilities.[6]
- Embedded GPS Receiver - The Selective Availability Antispoofing Module (SAASM) technology Embedded GPS Receiver (EGR) installed in the RT-1523(E)-(F) providing a navigation/communication system in support of critical Warfighter capabilities that includes Situational Awareness, Combat ID, Navigation and Timing and Surveying Capabilities.[7]
- GPS FanOut System - Provides six GPS formats from a single GPS source (RT-1523 with integrated SAASM GPS or PLGR/DAGR (Defense Advanced GPS Receiver–AN/PSN-13)).[8]
- VRCU (Vehicle Remote Control Unit) - Designed to be placed anywhere on a vehicle, VRCU is important in large vehicles and those with tight quarters. VRCU allows full control of both single and dual RT-1523 (models E, F, and G) and RT-1702 (models E and F) radios from any location within a vehicle.[9]
- Single ASIP Radio Mount (SARM) is the latest vehicle installation mount developed specifically for RT-1523 or RT-1702 radios. SARM solves space and weight claim issues associated with traditional vehicle installation mounts. SARM operates on 12 or 24 volt allowing installation into any military or civilian vehicle.[10]
See also
- Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) - a plan for a replacement radio system
- Network Simulator for simulation SINCGARS
Further reading
- Soldier's Manual of Common Tasks Warrior Skill Level 1 (STP 21-1-SMCT), Headquarters Department of the Army, Washington D.C. 11 September 2012. (p.3-99, task #113-587-2070)
- Tactical Single-Channel Radio Communications Techniques (FM 24-18), Headquarters Department of the Army, Washington D.C. 30 September 1987.
- Radio Operator's Handbook (FM 24-19), Headquarters Department of the Army, Washington D.C. 24 May 1991.
References
- ↑ Erwin, Sandra I. (February 2007). "Delays in 'joint tactical radio' program cast doubts on future". nationaldefensemagazine. Retrieved 2015-10-12.
- ↑ Thompson, Edric. "Radio-based combat ID -- for free." RDECOM, 2012-10-10. Retrieved 2015-10-12 – Via globalsecurity.org
- ↑ Release No: CR-086-16 Contracts: Press Operations U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, 2012-05-06. Retrieved 2015-05-10 – Via Defense.gov
- ↑ "SINCGARS RT-1523 VHF Radio Configurations" (PDF-537 KB). Exelisinc.com. Exelis Inc. 2013. Retrieved 2015-10-12.
- ↑ "Exelis - SideHat". exelisinc.com. Retrieved 2015-10-12.
- ↑ "Exelis - SINCGARS Airborne Radio". exelisinc.com. Retrieved 2015-10-12.
- ↑ "Exelis - SINCGARS Embedded GPS Receiver". exelisinc.com. Retrieved 2015-10-12.
- ↑ "Exelis - SINCGARS GPS FanOut System". exelisinc.com. Retrieved 2015-10-12.
- ↑ "Exelis - SINCGARS Vehicle Remote Control Unit (VRCU)". exelisinc.com. Retrieved 2015-10-12.
- ↑ "Exelis - Single ASIP Radio Mount (SARM)". exelisinc.com. Retrieved 2015-10-12.
External links
- RT-1523 VHF Radio Data sheet exelisinc.com (pdf)
- RT-1702 VHF Radio Data sheet exelisinc.com (pdf)
- Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS) www.fas.org
- FISCAL YEAR 1997 COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATIONS, COMPUTERS, INTELLIGENCE, ELECTRONIC WARFARE AND SENSORS (C4IEWS) PROJECT BOOK monmouth.army.mil
- www.globalsecurity.org - N.b.: development contractor for the ARC-222 was Magnavox in Fort Wayne, Indiana, not Raytheon as stated. See link above
- Summary of the AN/VRC-92F Jane's
- Information on RT-1439 radio prc68.com
This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 11/22/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.