Tactical Network Radio Systems (Low-Tier)

Abstract

The Tactical Network Radio Systems (Low-Tier) supports the Army Network Modernization Strategy Line of Effort 1, Unified Network The HMS radios are a key component of the Integrated Tactical Network which supports a converged Mission Command Network that operates seamlessly worldwide in any environment. These radios will perform under a standards-based network architecture that unifies enterprise and deployed network capabilities. The near-term goal of the HMS radios is to provide 'secure but unclassified' networking capabilities utilizing next generation tactical radios. The cited work is consistent with Strategic Planning Guidance and the Mission Command Network Modernization Implementation Plan. The Handheld, Manpack, and Small Form Fit (HMS) radio program is a materiel solution providing software-defined radio systems that are tailorable and scalable to support the Chief of Staff of the Army's "fight tonight" strategy. HMS is an Acquisition Category IC program that encompasses specific requirements to support the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Special Operations Command communications needs. HMS provides voice and data communications to the tactical edge/most disadvantaged warfighter with an on-the-move, at-the-halt, and stationary Line of Sight / Beyond Line of Sight capability for both dismounted personnel and platforms. HMS radio systems are software reprogrammable, networkable, multi-mode systems capable of simultaneous voice and data communications. HMS encompasses the Handheld Radios (one-channel Rifleman Radio and two-channel Leader Radio), Manpack Radio (MP), and Small Form Fit radios. HMS radios will provide voice and support for data services such as text, control graphics, imagery, video, and telemetry to Warfighters and tactical end user devices including handheld, embedded, and larger computing devices, as well as unmanned systems. The program office will continue with the ongoing competition to procure the newest generation of software defined radios capable of running the threshold waveforms, to include MUOS for MP, and will pursue alternative waveforms to reduce the complexity of Mobile AdHoc Networking waveforms, improve spectral efficiency, and seek Electronic Counter-Countermeasures improvements for operations in a contested environment. The Army intends to test and integrate 2-channel communications technologies, utilizing existing Army 2-channel radio variants (HMS Radios), in support of Air to Ground experimentation. Experimentation includes, but not limited to: concept refinement, characterization, data collection, demos, new kit prototyping, and operational assessments.

Document Details

• Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2020
• Source ID: 0605042A_5_2040_PB_2020
• Change Summary Explanation: FY 2020 was increased $25.592 million to support a network-wide evaluation. The test will assess the effectiveness of HMS systems within the Army network and support materiel release/acquisition milestone decisions.
• Service Agency Name: Army

Entities

Organizations

• United States Army

Tags

Communities of Interest

• Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

• Acquisition
• Communication Systems
• Contracts
• Digital Communications
• Engineering
• Line Of Sight
• Multiple Access
• Network Architecture
• Program Management
• Radio Equipment
• Software Defined Radio
• Standards
• Systems Engineering
• Tactical Networks
• Tactical Radios
• Test And Evaluation
• Waveforms

Fields of Study

• Computer science

Readers

• Enterprise Information Systems Architecture and Joint Command Capability Interoperability Support.
• Tactical Satellite Communications Systems Engineering.

Technology Areas

• Autonomy
• Autonomy - UAVs
• Microelectronics