Canadian Army's Combat Net Radios set for upgrade
General Dynamics Canada will upgrade the Canadian Army’s Combat Net Radios under a $109 million contract announced on 24 October.
Under the contract, General Dynamics Canada will perform work to increase the throughput and speed of data transmission of the radios – which were originally purchased in 1991 - bringing levels on par with newer military radios, and allowing for simultaneous operation of voice, messaging and positional awareness reporting.
The Combat Net Radio is the primary means of transmitting and receiving tactical voice and data communications on all Canadian Army operations and training missions.
In total the contract covers 11,000 Combat Net Radios and 6,800 Vehicle Interface Units. Cryptographic and data transmission modules in the radio will be replaced, with software and hardware upgrades to be conducted by the General Dynamics team, which includes Rockwell Collins Canada and SigmaPoint Technologies.
Modifications to the Vehicle Interface Unit are also required and will be performed by SED Systems. The Vehicle Interface Unit is a 50-watt amplifier that boosts the signal from the Combat Net Radio, to increase its communication range.
David Ibbetson, vice president, General Dynamics C4 Systems International, said: ‘The enhanced capabilities will maintain the viability of the Combat Net Radio for another decade and allow soldiers to operate on a modern battlefield with safety and awareness of what is going on around them.’
Initial delivery of the upgraded Combat Net Radios is expected in May 2015 and will continue through 2017.
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