Tactical Network Radio Systems (Low-Tier)

Abstract

This funding line is directly aligned to the Army Network Modernization Priority. This effort supports the Army Network Modernization Strategy Line of Effort 1, Unified Network. Tactical Network Radio Systems (Low-Tier) provide both Classified and Unclassified communications. The radios provide the Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS) waveform for Classified and Unclassified communications. They also provide advanced networking waveforms (e.g. TrellisWare TSM) that provide Secure but Unclassified (SBU) communications. The Manpack (MP) radio provides the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) waveform for Tactical Satellite communications. The Handheld, Manpack, and Small Form Fit (HMS) radio program is a single Acquisition Category 1C program encompassing handheld radios and manpack radios. Handheld radio variants include the legacy single-channel Rifleman Radio (RR), Single Channel Data Radio (SCDR), and two-channel Leader Radio (LR). The manpack variants include the legacy Generation 1 Manpack, and the current Generation 2 Manpack. HMS provides voice and data communication to the expeditionary Warfighter with an on-the-move, at-the-halt, and stationary Line of Sight (LOS)/Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) capability for both dismounted personnel and platforms. HMS radio systems are software reprogrammable, networkable, multi-mode systems capable of simultaneous voice and data communication. HMS radios supports a variety of other platforms, including tactical End User Devices (EUD) voice and data needs. HMS provides tailorable and scalable, software-defined radio systems meeting U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Special Operations Command communications needs. FY2019 - FY2022 RDT&E funds supported Integrated Tactical Network (ITN) testing and evaluation, of which HMS is a key component, in addition to HMS Program of Record (PoR) test events. The HMS radio systems serve as the backbone of the ITN architecture, supporting a converged Mission Command network. The ITN tests supported mature system development, integration, and demonstration in support of ITN evaluation to include: concept refinement, characterization, data collection, demos, integrated testing, and operational assessments. The ITN is a warfighter-enabling System of Systems comprised of key networking components including HMS PoR radio systems, advanced high capacity commercial radios, commercial phone technologies, and advanced radio-application gateway integration and interoperability technologies. These ITN technologies increase transport options and support a converged Mission Command network. The ITN introduces a new SBU security domain enhancing Mission Partner interoperability and significantly reducing key distribution and other security-related burdens for the Soldier at lower echelons. Starting in FY 2023, ITN funds were realigned to PE 0605236A, CQ1. HMS completed Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) during January 2021. Following the IOT&E test event, HMS outlined specific actions required to resolve test findings from the IOT&E event. FY2024 RDT&E funding supports testing activities including laboratory technical testing, Performance Verification Tests (PVTs), and Operational User Assessments (OUAs). Each of these events provides both technical and operational user feedback on increased capabilities, future waveform incorporation, soldier usability, and life-cycle sustainment improvements. The total cost of the Integrated Tactical Network (ITN) Middle Tier of Acquisition effort is $76 million RDT&E from FY23 to FY28.?The ITN MTA is fully funded across the Future Years Defense Program.

Document Details

• Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2024
• Source ID: 0605042A_5_2040_PB_2024
• Change Summary Explanation: Decreased funding to support higher Army priorities.
• Service Agency Name: Army

Entities

Organizations

• United States Army

Tags

Communities of Interest

• Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

• Air Force
• Army Procurement
• Artificial Satellites
• Contracts
• Digital Communications
• Engineering
• Lessons Learned
• Life Cycles
• Program Management
• Radio Equipment
• Software Defined Radio
• Software Prototyping
• System Of Systems
• Systems Engineering
• Tactical Radios
• Test And Evaluation
• Verification Tests

Fields of Study

• Computer science

Readers

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

Technology Areas

• 5G
• 5G - DoD 5G Program
• 5G - Internet of Things
• Space