Harris Corp. and Cubic Corp. have conducted technology demonstrations that significantly enhance intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) situational awareness by distributing Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) video and targeting data across wideband ground tactical communication networks.

The Harris/Cubic solution integrates Cubic's Common Data Link (CDL) transceiver technology for receiving video from UAS platforms with the Harris Falcon III® AN/PRC-117G open-standard wideband tactical radio. The system is geared to deliver UAS video to military forces operating at the tactical edge with the greatest need for immediate intelligence.

Currently, ISR data and ground tactical communications are handled using separate and often non-interoperable technologies. Combining the two in a single system creates a versatile solution that links high-bandwidth video into wideband voice and data radio networks -- leading to greater situational awareness, faster decision-making and improved operational planning, all while lightening the soldier's load.

"Marrying CDL ISR technology with our first-of-its-kind wideband networking radio provides warfighters with a solution that is highly scalable, and is interoperable with major UAV platforms, which will result in significantly improved situational awareness," said Brendan O'Connell, President, Department of Defense business, Harris RF Communications. "It is critical for today's tactical radio systems to be able to adapt seamlessly to emerging mission requirements. Integrating ISR data into the wideband architecture of the Harris AN/PRC-117G is another example of our ability to respond to customer needs."

"Cubic and Harris have demonstrated a two-in-one solution for a major problem in contemporary warfare – moving ISR video from UAVs to tactical radios operated by ground troops in real time," said Robert Kalebaugh, Director of Business Development, Cubic Defense Applications. "Cubic's compact and lightweight data link technology makes this game-changing technological achievement possible."

The Harris AN/PRC-117G radio is the first wideband manpack radio system with a JTRS-certified Software Communications Architecture and NSA Type-1 certified information security. The radio's wideband architecture enables applications such as streaming video, simultaneous voice and data feeds, collaborative chat and connectivity to secure networks. This provides warfighters and field commanders with critical real-time information through a smaller, lighter and more capable man-portable radio.