General Dynamics to Port Advanced Communications Waveforms onto U.S. Navy Digital Modular Radios

Feb. 18, 2013

General Dynamics C4 Systems received a $40 million contract modification in December 2012 from the U.S. Navy to port the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) waveform and the Integrated Waveform into the AN/USC-61(C) Digital Modular Radio (DMR).  General Dynamics has been delivering DMRs to the Navy since 1998.

The MUOS waveform allows the four-channel DMR to communicate using the MUOS satellite communications network, the military's next-generation narrowband satellite communications system. MUOS provides high-speed voice and data connectivity across a worldwide network that extends into the most remote locations.  General Dynamics developed the MUOS waveform as part of the MUOS program and has integrated it into the Handheld Manpack Small Form Fit (HMS) AN/PRC-155 Manpack radio.  The company is also building the four MUOS ground sites that support worldwide communication from the ground to the MUOS satellites and from one end-user to another.

The Integrated Waveform increases the communications capacity and efficiency of legacy satellite communications networks.

"With more than 500 Digital Modular Radios in the Navy's current communications fleet, the decision to upgrade the radios with these two waveforms is extremely cost-effective and leverages the Navy's investment," said Chris Marzilli , president of General Dynamics C4 Systems.

In addition to the new MUOS and Integrated Waveform capability, the four-channel DMR enables maritime and shore-based communications using High Frequency, Very High Frequency and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) line of sight communications and UHF satellite communications.

The option modifies a contract initially awarded in September 2010.  The contract authority is the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, for the Program Executive Office for Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (PEO C4I).