Harris Corp. gains $10 million order for RF-310M handheld tactical radios to Central Asia nation in support of secure interoperable coalition communications
MELBOURNE, Fla., 12 May 2011. Harris Corp., an international communications and information technology company, has received a $10 million order to provide RF-310M-HH multiband, handheld software-defined radios to a central Asian nation in support of interoperable secure communications with coalition partners.
"The RF-310M-HH is a significant solution to the challenges of military coalition communications," says Andy Start, president, international business unit, Harris RF Communications. "As coalitions work together to establish safety and security, one of the biggest obstacles is common interoperable secure communications. The RF-310M-HH addresses that need. Coalition forces benefit from improved coordination, easier mission planning, and reduced instances of friendly fire."
The RF-310M is the first tactical radio certified by the National Security Agency as compatible with new Suite B encryption algorithms, which protect voice and data transmissions up to U.S. SECRET level of classification, says a spokesperson. The RF-310M is considered a non-cryptographically controlled item (non-CCI), using Type-1 Suite B encryption algorithms to provide secure classified SECRET and below voice and data transmissions. The RF-310M radio is interoperable with tactical radios, such as the Falcon III AN/PRC152(C) handheld and Falcon III AN/PRC-117G manpack, that use Suite A and Suite B encryption.
The RF-310M-HH radio uses the Sierra IIB programmable encryption module, certified by the NSA. In addition to allowing secure interoperation with other tactical radios, the RF-310M-HH is also capable of hosting the APCO P25 waveform, which provides interoperability with radios used by police and other emergency response organizations. It also offers programmable encryption technology, Software Communications Architecture (SCA), and coverage of the entire 30-512 MHz frequency range. The RF-310M-HH addresses interoperability challenges presented in coalition and inter-agency operations, whereas the RF-310M offers optional 762 to 870 MHz coverage.
