Apache helicopters can leverage Raytheon’s AN/ARC-231 Multi-Mode Communications System. Photo: Mrs Airwolfhound (Flickr)

[Via Satellite 08-14-2015] Raytheon has received a $36 million contract from the U.S. Army to fund the certification and testing of an upgrade to the AN/ARC-231 Multi-Mode Communications System.

The AN/ARC-231 is a Very High Frequency (VHF)/Ultra High Frequency (UHF) multi-band tactical communications system that provides high quality, reliable, secure, internationally compatible and interoperable voice and data links. The software-defined AN/ARC-231 is ready for a seamless transition to the emerging Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite communications networking waveform, while retaining full compatibility with legacy air-to-air and air-to-ground line of sight and satellite communication requirements. The upgraded systems will provide the highest level of security for voice and data communications for more than 7,000 rotary, fixed wing and unmanned Army platforms including Apaches, Blackhawks, Chinooks and Gray Eagles.

The U.S. Army awarded the contract after receiving the last of 18 Engineering Development Models (EDM) from Raytheon. The AN/ARC-231 is capable of software-only upgrades. Following testing, the AN/ARC-231 will join Raytheon’s SkyFire product family. The company plans to test the upgraded system at its Fort Wayne, Ind., facility, and at the U.S. Army’s Software Engineering Directorate laboratory in Huntsville, Ala., which is expected to ultimately result in full cryptographic certification.