Collins Aerospace Tackles Military Communication Challenges With New Wideband HF Communication System

Collins Aerospace Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (UTX), has launched a new wideband High Frequency (HF) communications system that delivers reliable, high-speed data and clear digital voice beyond line of sight communications without needing satellites. Called Universal Radio Group (URG)-IV, the new portable ground station is being showcased for the first time at the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) trade show in London on Sept. 10-13.

URG-IV features the latest 4G Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) technology, which automatically determines the optimal bandwidth for transmission and links much faster than legacy HF equipment. This makes it a more reliable and easier to use HF communications platform. Beyond clear voice communications, the URG-IV’s wideband HF capabilities also enable users to transmit images and use real-time chat functionality.

“The URG-IV provides an ideal alternative for communications in areas where warfighters are facing SATCOM denied and jammed environments,” said Troy Brunk, vice president and general manager, Communication, Navigation and Guidance Solutions for Collins Aerospace. “Modernized HF is an integral component of a communication system’s PACE (Primary, Alternate, Contingency, Emergency) plan and helps maintain situational awareness on the battlefield.”

The URG-IV HF communications system is made up of the new RT-2200A wideband HF radio, the new PA-2010 power amplifier and ancillaries housed together in a moveable package. Combining the radio, power supplies and amplifiers provides beneficial redundancy and protection against failures, adding to the reliability of wideband HF communications. The URG-IV is a modernized version of the company’s URG-III HF communications system, which has provided customers reliable and quality communications for decades.