Recognizing the opportunities that software-defined radio (SDR)
technology will bring, the U.S. Department of Defense created the Joint
Tactical Radio System (JTRS) program to provide warfighters with a flexible
standards-based approach to meet their diverse communications needs
with “future-proof” capabilities. Thales Communications, a pioneer and
leader in SDR technology, was an early participant in the JTRS initiative,
leveraging core expertise and helping to shape the development of the
software communications architecture (SCA) the backbone for the future’s
network-centric force. Thales currently participates on the following JTRS
programs:
AN/PRC-148 JEM: Thales is the prime contractor for this JTRS initiative,
evolving the battle-proven AN/PRC-148 Multiband Inter/Intra Team Radio
(MBITR) into the AN/PRC-148 JTRS Enhanced MBITR, or JEM. The AN/PRC-
148 JEM, the first JTRS-approved product being used on the battlefield
today, is the smallest, lightest, most power-efficient multiband, tactical,
handheld radio in use. The JEM’s SCA-compliant platform hosts all of
today’s key waveforms and enables the integration of future waveforms
and advanced capabilities via simple software upgrades. Downloadable
features, both current and future, include ANDVT, HAVEQUICK I/II,
SINCGARS Frequency Hopping 1/2, High Throughput Waveform 56 kbps,
voice priority in SINCGARS, Project 25, SATCOM IW, Blue Force Tracking,
MELP, and Over-the-Air-Cloning. The JEM is the cornerstone of a
complete system solution providing warfighters with advanced, reliable
communications capabilities for both mounted and dismounted
operations. The AN/PRC-148 JEM and ancillary equipment are available to
all U.S. military services.
HMS (Handheld, Manpack, and Small Form Fits): Thales’ leadership in the
handheld SDR domain led to its selection as a key member of the General
Dynamics (GD)-led team for JTRS HMS. The company is collaborating with
GD to develop the Small Form Factor-C(V)1, known as the AN/PRC-154
Rifleman RadioTM. The Rifleman Radio is a low-cost, Soldier Radio
Waveform (SRW)-enabled, networking radio with embedded encryption
and GPS and has basic commonality with Thales’ AN/PRC-148.
AMF (Airborne, Maritime, and Fixed Station): Under the System Development
and Demonstration contract, the AMF JTRS team, led by Lockheed Martin,
will provide seamless, networked voice, data, and video communications
to warfighters. Thales has been working with Raytheon Network Centric
Systems (Fort Wayne, IN) in the areas of systems design support,
management and control systems design, and High-Frequency (HF)
systems design. Thales’ HF solution offers an integrated system capability
that provides dramatic reductions in space and weight over in-service HF
systems.
Multifunctional
Information Distribution System (MIDS): Thales is
participating on the MIDS JTRS team led by Data Link Solutions (DLS), a
BAE Systems-Rockwell Collins joint venture. This effort, managed by the
Joint Program Executive Office (JPEO) JTRS, will deliver a series of high-
performance, best-value, second generation Link 16 terminals. These
JTRS open-architecture terminals, based on commercial standards, bring
an affordable, flexible, Link 16 solution to fighter aircraft, command and
control centers, and ships. By utilizing software applications for expanded
capability, the MIDS JTRS terminal enables enhanced operational
effectiveness without consuming additional space, weight, or power.
AN/PRC-148 JEM:1-Front.gif){kind=small}
HMS (Handheld, Manpack, and Small Form Fits):
AMF (Airborne, Maritime, and Fixed Station): 
Multifunctional
Information Distribution System (MIDS):
