A perspective on multi-band, multi-mission radios

As the first generation of multi-band, multi-mission radios (MBMMR) have been deployed, the benefits and advantages of the technology for the battlefield communicator are becoming well known. For the first time, radios can be tailored to the mission rather than tailoring the mission to the radio. Continuing advancement of the underlying technologies coupled with the evolution and expansion of the operational role of these radios are resulting in the development of second generation products with greatly enhanced capabilities. This paper discusses some lessons learned from first generation MBMMR products, the direction of second generation developments, some of the underlying technologies and their application to increasing the operational effectiveness of these radios. The AN/PRC-117D(C) multi-band, multi-mission radio is one example of such a design. The capabilities of this radio include frequency coverage from 30-420 MHz, NSA endorsed VINSON compatible communications security (COMSEC), SINCGARS frequency hopping, AM and FM modulations as well as tactical satellite (TACSAT) operation