General
Dynamics C4 Systems announced that it has received an order from the U.S.
Department of Defense for the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS)
Handheld, Manpack, Small Form Fit (HMS) Rifleman radio
(AN/PRC-154) and Manpack (AN/PRC-155)
radio.
Following
a recent Milestone C decision, the Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) order, which has an initial value of approximately
$56.4 million, calls for the production of 6,250 Rifleman and 100 Manpack
radios and includes expenses for non-recurring startup costs, accessories,
training, related equipment and supplies.
The
JTRSHMS networking radios
are the first ground-domain radios that will be fielded by the U.S. military
that meet the full suite of JTRS requirements.
Department of Defense documents indicate that the Army plans to purchase more
than 190,000 Rifleman and approximately 50,000 Manpack radios.
JTRSHMS Rifleman radios will enable soldiers on the
battlefield to have secure, mobile voice, video and data communications
capabilities that are similar to those available through commercial cellular
networks.
The
Rifleman radio, enabled by the Soldier Radio Waveform, will be the first secure
tactical radio to extend the network down to the individual soldier, significantly
improving their safety and mission effectiveness,” said Chris Brady, a vice
president of General Dynamics C4 Systems.
The
two-channel Manpack radio bridges Rifleman networks to both legacy and future
high-level command networks so everyone in the force is on the same page,”
Chris added.
The
Rifleman radios recently demonstrated their value and utility in a March 2011
exercise conducted by the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division. In a follow-up report
by the unit’s commanding officer, Maj. Gen. James L. Huggins said that the
radios performed in remarkable fashion,” effectively filling critical
communications gaps that are unmet by current tactical communication systems.
These
gap-filling capabilities include secure voice and data communications, improved
command-and-control and non line-of-sight communications at the battalion level
and below; and improved situational awareness for dismounted soldiers.
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