IAI releases software-defined radio system with innovative network-centric operations capability

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), through its defense electronics subsidiary, ELTA Systems, has announced the release of its new multi-mission ARC 840 software-defined radio system – System for Network Centric Operations (SDR-NCO). The newest product in ELTA’s line of military airborne communications systems, the SDR-NCO builds on decades of experience in developing high-performance communications solutions, including advanced Line of Sight (LOS) and AESA satellite terminal systems.

SDR-NCO provides voice, video and data communications over a wide frequency range including VHF, UHF and L-bands. It is interoperable with a wide variety of existing military and commercial radios – enabling aircrews to communicate with forces on the ground, in the air and at sea, for effective collaboration across a diverse task force.

Going beyond communications, SDR-NCO is designed to support advanced network applications such as command and control, navigation, video sharing, and more. It is fully compliant with the latest SCA 4.1 standard defined by the Joint Tactical Networking Center, thus ensuring reliable application support. These applications enable the delivery of a true multi-domain NCO, allowing different forces to share information effectively and achieve mission-critical situational awareness.

The SDR-NCO provides secure and immune communications, implementing COMSEC support, TRANSEC frequency hopping and LPI (low probability of interception) techniques, as well as multi-standard GNSS with a Rubidium clock for backup.

SDR-NCO features a flexible and modular architecture. It consists of two user-replaceable RF modules, allowing the user to tailor the frequency band combinations required for the specific needs of each mission. Housed in a compact chassis that fits into a standard 1/2 ATR slot, the SDR-NCO is designed for efficient integration with new platforms and allows easy upgrade of legacy communications systems.

Adi Dahlberg, vice president and general manager of ELTA’s Intelligence, Communications and Electronic Warfare (EW) division, said: “On the modern battlefield, forces operate in different coalitions. The key to mission success is effective collaboration, creating joint situational awareness for all units in the task force. ELTA’s SDR-NCO enables collaboration and network-oriented operations through effective communications and shared applications between units and domains.”