Digital Modular Radio

Abstract

Digital Modular Radio (DMR) with Integrated Waveform (IW) and Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) capable hardware is the Navy's technical solution for the IW/MUOS requirement. The DMR AN/USC-61(C), is the first software defined radio to become a communications system standard for the U.S. Military. The compact, multi-channel DMR provides 3G, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) technology, for high speed/capacity voice and data satellite communications. DMR radios currently operate aboard U.S. Navy surface and subsurface vessels, fixed-sites and other Department of Defense (DoD) communication platforms using frequencies ranging from 2 MHz to 2 GHz. Certified to pass secure voice and data at Multiple Independent Levels of Security (MILS) over High Frequency (HF), Very High Frequency (VHF), Ultra High Frequency (UHF), and Satellite Communications (SATCOM) channels, the DMR system was developed to the U.S. Navy's specifications and meets all the stringent environmental, Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and performance requirements for use in the U.S. Fleet. This system is formally specified by both Fleet Commanders as a threshold capability, for global maritime command control and communications in a Distributed Maritime Environment, to execute current warfighting plans and is required for National Command and Control capability. This program is for continued development/integration of the IW and MUOS waveforms into the DMR in accordance with Military Standards 188-181,2,3. Additionally, the enhancements of High Frequency Distribution Amplifier Group (HFDAG) and, HF Automated Link Establishment (ALE) and Second-Generation Anti-Jam Tactical UHF Radio for NATO (SATURN) will also be developed/integrated into the DMR. HFDAG is a follow-on HF solution to fulfill transmit and receive HF communication capability with various modes of operation, such as ALE, for Navy platforms. HFDAG will utilize the existing DMR as the exciter/receiver. Generation 3 (GEN 3) HF ALE/HF wideband provides Navy users with improved HF communications, increased transmission rates from radio to radio, and serves as a supplement to SATCOM when SATCOM networks are overloaded or unavailable. SATURN is the follow-on HAVEQUICK II anti-jamming solution in accordance with NATO Standardization Agreement 4372. SATURN capability will counter adversaries' jamming efforts and ensure Navy's Assured Command and Control UHF communications operational end-to-end capability as well as enhance interoperability within/between DMR users and with Allied/Coalition partners. IW uses a Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) communication system in an attempt to improve satellite bandwidth utilization over legacy SATCOM waveforms. This enables demand assigned services on UHF SATCOM networks to support new applications that require better performance and higher channel throughput. The MUOS waveform will enable MUOS satellites to provide worldwide communication satellite coverage for DoD requirements. MUOS will provide functionality comparable to commercial mobile phone systems. In FY25, DMR will continue MUOS 3.2 development integration efforts and continue the development of necessary components to the second generation Anti-jam Tactical UHF Radio for North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) (SATURN) waveform (6.5.7).

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2025
• Source ID: 3078_0604280N_5_1319_PB_2025

Tags

Readers

• Tactical Satellite Communications Systems Engineering.

Technology Areas

• Fully Networked C3
• Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control
• Space
• Space - Satellites