Army orders 13,000 more Rifleman radios

• Tweet

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Aug. 14 (UPI) -- The U.S. Army has given General Dynamics C4 Systems a second order for JTRS HMS Rifleman Radios, the company announced.

A total of 13,000 Joint Tactical Radio System Handheld, Manpack, Small Form Fit AN/PRC-154 Rifleman radios and accessory kits will be provided under the order, which is worth $53.9 million.

This is the second order placed by the Army for PRC-154 Rifleman radios, bringing the number of radios ordered by the government to more than 19,000. The new order is valued at approximately $53.9 million.

The Army previously ordered more than 19,000 of the radios, which enable networked voice and data capabilities for troops on the move.

"The order for more PRC-154 radios ensures the individual soldier is included in the big Army network," said Chris Marzilli, president of General Dynamics C4 Systems. "His voice can finally be heard, his message received and his position-location reported.

"Equally important is the two-channel PRC-155 Manpack that allows commanders to talk to their team on one channel and on the second channel, simultaneously exchange information with higher headquarters. Having both radios puts the full power of the big Army network in the hands of soldiers, significantly improving mission effectiveness and individual soldier safety."

Both the company's JTRS HMS PRC-154 Rifleman and two-channel AN/PRC-155 Manpack networking radios are to be included in the Army's Capability Set 13 -- a package of network components, associated equipment and software -- to be delivered to Infantry Brigade Combat Teams.

With the PRC-154, soldiers on the battlefield will have mobile voice, video and data communications capabilities similar to those available through commercial cellular networks, the company said.