Collins Aerospace Systems, a unit of Raytheon Technologies Corp. (NYSE: RTX), has received their eighth delivery order from the U.S. Army to provide AN/PRC-162 ground radios for the Handheld, Manpack and Small Form Fit (HMS) program.
The Collins Aerospace AN/PRC-162 brings better performance to the battlefield in both dismounted and vehicular mounted solutions, with or without two available 50-watt external high-power amplifiers. The optional compact vehicle mounting kit can be retrofitted in the field in less than a day, providing lower life cycle costs and flexibility in deployment.
The AN/PRC-162 features two, independent channels across all frequencies for seamless voice, data, route and retransmission functionality. As a fully software-defined communications solution, the AN/PRC-162 will allow the Army to maintain interoperability with legacy waveforms such as Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS), while leveraging state-of-art waveforms such as Trellisware's TSM waveform and Warrior Robust Enhanced Network (WREN). Additionally, the AN/PRC-162 will include upgraded tactical satellite communications through implementation of the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS).
This eighth order was issued under a multiple award contract that the Army awarded to Rockwell Collins, now Collins Aerospace, and two other companies in 2016. The contract has a $12.7 billion ceiling with an ordering period ending March 2026.
The AN/PRC-162 is a part of the Collins Aerospace TruNet™ networked communications family of products, which includes ground and airborne radios, advanced networking waveforms, applications, and support and services.
Ray Bunge
Ryan Bunge, VP and GM, Communication, Navigation and Guidance Solutions for Collins Aerospace, said the company's ground radio gives warfighters access to the most advanced networked communication technology available, ultimately leading to improved situational awareness and mission success. Collins Aerospace has delivered superior communications capabilities with the firm's airborne radios for decades, providing a complete, interoperable solution for both ground and air assets at the lowest life cycle cost.
Collins Aerospace Systems engages in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Collins Aerospace has the capabilities, comprehensive portfolio and expertise to solve customers’ toughest challenges and to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market. With 2019 net sales of approximately $26 billion, the business has 78,000 employees across more than 300 locations globally. Collins Aerospace is one of the four businesses that form Raytheon Technologies.