MELBOURNE, Fla., June 24 (UPI) -- The U.S. Defense Department has given Harris Corp. a new order for Falcon III handheld tactical radios compatible with Suite B encryption standard.
The department is acquiring additional RF-310M-HH radios -- worth $23 million -- to provide simplified communications interoperability and information security handling in a range of ground-based applications.
The RF-310M-HH is the first and only tactical radio certified by the National Security Agency as compatible with Type-1, Suite B encryption. The RF-310M offers U.S. Secret and below classification interoperability with tactical radios such as the Falcon III AN/PRC-152(C) handheld and AN/PRC-117G manpack radios.
Harris said that because the Suite B utilizes the commercial Advanced Encryption Standard, the RF-310M-HH is considered a Non-Controlled Cryptographic Item, a designation that allows the radio to be provided to a wider-range of U.S. personnel and coalition partners.
"With its programmable encryption technology, Software Communications Architecture and coverage of the entire 30-512 MHz frequency range, the RF-310M-HH addresses interoperability challenges presented in coalition and inter-agency operations," said Brendan O'Connell, president, Department of Defense business, Harris RF Communications.
"The RF-310M is based upon the same platform as the NSA-certified Type-1 AN/PRC-152(C). This will allow for commonality in logistics and reduced administrative and training costs."
The RF-310M offers the DOD a familiar user experience in form factor, accessories and base station amplifiers. The RF-310M also hosts the APCO P25 waveform, which provides interoperability with radios used by police and other emergency response organizations.
The number of units ordered and the delivery scheduled were not detailed.
