operation in contested environments. Solutions include LPI/LPD waveforms in addition to anti-jam solutions. “Modern waveforms can proactively sense channels, adjust frequency, move between bands, adapt data rates, and collaborate with nearby radios to accomplish this without any operator input,” said an L3Harris official. As an example, both the AN/PRC-163 and -167 feature integrated Signals-Based Threat Warning/Situation Awareness (SBTW/SA) solutions which allow the SDR to become aware of threatening energy and signals across a battlefield. Sources can then be identified and classified for targeting by other assets. “This is an area ripe for future research and development, especially as we look towards aggregating sensor data across tactical networks in the ‘sensor-to-shooter’ construct,” the L3Harris spokesperson added. However, company sources confirmed that much progress still has to be made in terms of applying ML and AI technologies to smaller form factor, tactical communications solutions including SDRs. Examples include providing SDRs and mission modules with adequate level in power to support ML/AI algorithms. “Sophisticated AI processing is well established in large infrastructure and desktop applications, while portable equipment is just getting started with more specific tasks like biometric security. New mobile processors are just starting to
feature neural processing engines, so we expect these barriers will slowly be overcome,” it was explained. L3Harris is also offering up its Transport Aggregation Gateway (TAG) solution to support special operations customers around the world. Featuring ML and AI algorithms, TAG features Smart Blending Technology which identifies the most optimal data paths for communications traffic, particularly when operating in contested environments. Comprising a TAG Gateway Remote Terminal and TAG Concentrator, the solution aggregates together multiple communications networks (including MANET and SATCOM for example) to ensure maximum levels in data throughput. “TAG automatically optimises capacity by providing network resiliency and elasticity as communications systems join or leave the network. This commercial technology has now progressed to a point where it has become something useful to the DoD,” L3Harris sources confirmed. “Today, TAG is able to aggregate and blend together the various data capacities of multiple networks, meaning there are no longer any disadvantaged user sets across the battlespace. This means a single data stream is able to exploit multiple network links simultaneously to ensure maximum levels in data throughput,” a source explained. TAG was first demonstrated to the US Army in December 2018, with L3Harris and commercial partner Dejero spending the
L3Harris
special ops and expeditionary forces debrief
L3Harris AN/PRC-163 is used by USSOCOM.
time since to mature the solution. Since then, L3Harris has proven the solution on board a variety of special operations vehicles including the Polaris Government and Defense MRZR Light Tactical All Terrain Vehicle (LTATV) as operated by USSOCOM. Also looking to the future is Codan Group which according to Culver, is observing an “ever-increasing demand for extremely low Size Weight and Power (SWAP) software defined and software configurable radios that are cyber secure and provide LPI/LPD”. Conclusion Coalition forces operating throughout the GPC will rely upon assured and resilient tactical communications to ensure tactical overmatch over highly capable adversaries across the contemporary and future operating environment. However, emerging technologies must be easy to use and allow SOF operators to maintain focused without distraction on the mission at hand.
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