Thales Communications and the Joint Tactical Radio System
The Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) Enterprise develops and delivers interoperable, mobile ad-hoc,
secure networking capability to the warfighter anywhere in the joint battle space. JTRS is developing and
positioning products to meet stakeholder requirements by providing information sharing capabilities and
interoperability to the warfighter and by enabling improved situational awareness and significant
battlefield advantage through advanced net-centric warfare. By developing and implementing an open
architecture of cutting-edge radio waveform technology, multiple radio types are now capable of
communicating with one another. The ultimate goal is to produce a family of interoperable, modular, software-defined
radios (SDRs) that operate as nodes in a network that provides secure wireless communication and networking services for
mobile and fixed forces.
AN/PRC-148 JEM. Thales Communications, Inc. is the prime contractor for this JTRS initiative, evolving the
battle-proven AN/PRC-148 Multiband Inter/Intra Team Radio (MBITR) into the AN/PRC-148 JTRS Enhanced
MBITR, or JEM. The AN/PRC-148 JEM, the first JTRS-approved product to be used on the battlefield, is the
smallest, lightest, and most power-efficient multiband, tactical, handheld radio in use today. The JEM's Software
Communications Architecture (SCA)-compliant platform hosts all of today's core waveforms and enables the
integration of future waveforms and advanced capabilities via simple software upgrades. Downloadable features
include SATCOM IW, Project 25, 56 kbps High Throughput Waveform, ANDVT, HAVEQUICK I/II, SINCGARS
Frequency Hopping 1/2, MELP, and OTAC. The JEM is the cornerstone of a complete system solution providing
warfighters with advanced, reliable communications capabilities for both mounted and dismounted operations.
Handheld, Manpack, and Small Form Fit (HMS): Thales' leadership in the handheld SDR domain led to the
company’s selection as a key member of the General Dynamics (GD)-led team for JTRS HMS. Thales and GD are
collaborating on the AN/PRC-154 Rifleman Radio, a lightweight, networking, body-worn radio that extends the
tactical network down to the lowest echelons—the dismounted individual warfighter. A core component of the
Army’s soldier modernization program, the Rifleman Radio transmits voice and data simultaneously utilizing the
Soldier Radio Waveform. The Rifleman Radio is currently in Low Rate Initial Production. Additionally, Thales is
porting the SINCGARS waveform to the HMS Manpack.
Network Enterprise Domain (NED): Under the SINCGARS Software In-Service Support (SwISS)
contract, the ITT Communications Systems/Thales team is providing technical support, software
maintenance/upgrades, and enhancements to baseline JTRS SINCGARS software. These updates and
enhancements will evolve the baseline JTRS SINCGARS waveform, providing improved features,
functionality, and performance for our warfighters while protecting the Government's existing
investment in radio platform hardware.
Thales Communications, Inc
22605 Gateway Center Drive ● Clarksburg, MD 20871
Toll-Free: 1-800-258-4420 • Phone: 240-864-7000 • Fax: 240-864-7920
www.thalescomminc.com ● [email protected]
6004:001:022412:V4