A Force Multiplier for High-Frequency Communications: The L3Harris ARGUS-HF

Long-range High Frequency communication has undergone a dramatic digital modernization effort within L3Harris Technologies. An innovative new entry into the company’s Falcon® HF portfolio is smaller, faster and easier to use while providing reliable, beyond-line-of-sight and on-the-move data communications in congested and contested environments.

The new L3Harris ARGUS-HF™ system enhances the capability of L3Harris resilient data waveforms by providing the ability to listen and receive on 16 different HF frequencies concurrently, as opposed to the single-channel capability provided by the radio itself. This reduces the coordination required for a successful HF connection, ensuring multiple elements can contact users concurrently with no important messages missed. It can be operated as a standalone receive device or integrated directly with a Falcon III HF system. In addition, its web interface provides access to web messaging and to a live spectrograph view of HF frequencies.

“L3Harris built its foundation on HF communications 60 years ago, and we have been innovating ever since, adding new technology and resiliency to support and enhance our customers’ PACE (Primary, Alternative, Contingency & Emergency) options. Our new ARGUS-HF solution allows for faster and more-informed resilient HF decisions, and the device seamlessly integrates into the Falcon III HF family of products for instantaneous access to new capabilities.” Chris Aebli, President, Tactical Communications, L3Harris

The multi-channel receiving capability of ARGUS-HF allows simultaneous monitoring and reception of multiple frequencies, enhancing situational awareness and operational flexibility. This capability is particularly valuable in situations when spectrum availability and interference management are critical, according to Brian Calvasina, Product Manager, L3Harris.

ARGUS-HF integrates advanced technology to overcome HF signal propagation and interference challenges and leverages L3Harris’ proprietary Last Ditch Data resilient waveform family to ensure device and network protection, added Calvasina.
Soldiers using ARGUS HF™ Falcon® IV RF-950H Tactical HF/VHF Direct Sampling Receiver on hilltop

The new receiver’s ability to monitor multiple resilient waveform channels simultaneously provides an ideal solution in dynamic environments, especially in scenarios requiring robust and reliable HF communications, such as military operations, emergency response and remote field communications.

These advances to venerable HF technology – notably ARGUS-HF’s simultaneous and resilient HF data inputs – ensure beyond-line-of-sight common operational picture connectivity in satellite-denied environments. Coupled with the ARGUS-HF’s resilient data tools, the system delivers enhanced BLOS situational awareness for more-informed, data-driven tactical decisions – an important complement to next-generation command-and-control modernization efforts.

L3Harris HF systems, including ARGUS-HF and the AN/PRC-160, deliver assured voice and data, even in the most austere environments, providing powerful connectivity options to support the next generation of communications infrastructure.

“ARGUS-HF’s advanced radio-frequency spectrum monitoring capabilities and the ability to receive multiple waveforms simultaneously enhances the ability to detect, analyze and respond to a wide range of signals, providing a significant operational advantage,” said Calvasina. “Having a larger number of channels can help ease communication planning where multiple frequencies can be monitored, as well as channel selection based on time of day or other environmental conditions.”

Innovative engineering, extensive testing and leveraging leading-edge technology ensured L3Harris designed a high-performance and reliable solution that effectively manages simultaneous multi-channel HF signal processing while minimizing interference, said Calvasina. ARGUS-HF will enter into full-rate production in 2026.

“ARGUS-HF represents a signification advancement in HF communication technology,” said Calvasina. “It offers unparalleled capabilities in multi-channel reception, spectrum monitoring and operational flexibility. ARGUS-HF’s design meets the demanding requirements of modern communication environments and provides a strategic advantage in a multitude of applications.”