ustomer customer ustomer customer - Thales Defense & Security, Inc. [PDF]

Customer

Commitment Issue 1/Volume Volume 5/ Issue 3 1

Thales Communications, Inc.

Spring 2008

AN/PRC-148[V]4[C] JEM

Customer Newsletter

Clarksburg, Maryland

NEW LEADERSHIP

The AN/PRC-148[V]4[C] JTRS enhanced MBITR (JEM) variant provides a modernized software-defined cryptography, and greater processing and memory capability to enable a wide range of field-upgradeable radio capabilities. In addition to the standard waveforms, Line-of-sight AM and FM, SINCGARS, HQI/II and ANDVT, the AN/PRC148[V]4[C] offers additional features such as: • JTRS

Software Communications Architecture (SCA) Compliant • Retransmission • Over-the-Air-Cloning (OTAC) • MELP (Mixed Excitation Linear Predictive) vocoder, for improved voice quality in ANDVT (Narrowband) SATCOM • APCO Project 25 AES • High Throughput Waveform (HTW), 56kbs data • SINCGARS FH2 • Improved SKL key fill procedure for SINCGARS load set Future Firmware Release: Integrated Waveform (IW) for SATCOM operations, this waveform is MIL-STD188-181C/183B compliant with Phase 1 IW (firmware release 7.0), and also MIL-STD188-182B compliant in Phase 2 (firmware release 8.0). IW is an enhancement to DAMA, and interoperable with DAMA. Phase 1 IW software release is planned for 4QCY2010. Phase 2 is planned for early CY11

The AN/PRC-148[V]4[C] also offers enhanced operational features, such as: • NSA certified to protect confidentiality

of voice and data through the Top Secret level • FIPS 198 Authentication • Ability to load Black Keys (DS 101 key fill) • The [V]4[C] can accept 20 TEKs as opposed to the [V]2[C]’s ability to accept six. In addition, the TEKs can be labeled • The [V]4[C] has 256 Programmable Channels as opposed to the [V]2[C]’s 100. The [V]4[C] also has 16 programmable groups as opposed to the [V]2[C]’s 10 • A commercial GPS can be used in Situational Awareness operations • The programmable side buttons can now be configured through the keypad of the AN/PRC-148[V]4[C] Thales is now offering a unique program to easily and quickly update your existing AN/PRC-148[V]1[C] Maritime MBITR, or AN/PRC-148[V]2[C] Urban MBITR, to an AN/PRC-148[V]3[C] or AN/PRC148[V]4[C}. Please contact us to receive instructions for returning your MBITRs, or if you need additional upgrade program information. Thales will provide a turnin credit for your MBITR towards the purchase of a AN/PRC-148[V]4[C]; either a replacement transceiver, or a complete radio system with battery and antennae. Each new radio will be provided with a 5-year warranty. Thales will properly disposition the CCI equipment in accordance with regulations.

Earlier this year, Thales Communications announced the appointment of Michael Sheehan as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President. Mr. Sheehan’s appointment followed the planned retirement of Mitch Herbets, CEO and President of the business since 2000. With more than 27 years of industry experience, Mr. Sheehan has served Cobham’s Avionics business, DRS Technologies, Northrop Grumman, and BAE Systems. He brings proven tactical communications experience to Thales, having supported and managed elements of programs including JTRS, Future Combat Systems (FCS), Warfighter Information Network-Tactical (WIN-T), and Link 16.

See Page 3 For More Information NEW RELEASES 2 | ONLINE ASSISTANCE 7 | TRADESHOWS 9 | Q&As 11

Volume 5/Issue 1


Inside This Issue

Customer Commitment Newsletter

2010

NEWRELEASES

AN/PRC-148[V]4[C] JEM..................1

LOW PROFILE VEHICLE ADAPTERS FOR THE AN/PRC-148

New Leadership................................1

The system solutions built around the AN/PRC-148 handheld radio include vehicular systems that offer flexible mobility and additional communications capabilities. The Thales Vehicle Adapters (VAs) and Vehicle Adapter Amplifiers (VAAs) provide single and dual channel 20 Watt and 50 Watt power amplification for range extension, radio battery charging, and support a wide range of secure and anti-jamming voice and data applications. Thales’ unique, cable free, rapid radio dismount capability enables warfighters to shift seamlessly from mounted to dismounted operation in less than two seconds with a fully-charged and immediately operational handheld radio.

New Releases...................................2 AN/PRC-148 and Vehicle Adapter Test Capability.........................................2 Contact Information..........................3 AN/PRC-148[V]2[C] / [V]4[C] Comparison .....................................3 Current Firmware Releases Tactical/Public Safety.......................4 Current Firmware Releases PowerAmplifiers................................4 Current Firmware Releases Naval/Maritime................................5 LibertyTM Multiband Land Mobile Radio An Update........................................5 Expanded Support in Afghanistan.......5 Feature Enhancements......................6

This family of products now includes two low-profile configurations, the Low Profile Vehicle Adapter (LPVA), the lowest profile 50 Watt vehicle adapter for space constrained installation, and the Cradle Vehicle Adapter (CVA), which recently received AN/VRC-113 nomenclature by the U.S. Marine Corps. At A Glance: 50W Low Profile Vehicle Adapter [LPVA], part number MA7135 family • Contiguous 30 to 512MHz frequency range • 50W in SINCGARS frequency range • 20W from 90 to 512MHz

LPVA

• -116dBm FM receive sensitivity typical

Online Assistance..............................7

• Stand alone or with adapter plate for SINCGARS MT-6352 Mounting Tray

Thales Gives Back.............................8

50W Cradle Vehicle Adapter [CVA], part number MA7138 family, AN/VRC-113

Trade Shows.....................................9 Beyond the Handheld Radio................10

• Contiguous 30 to 512MHz frequency range • 50W in SINCGARS frequency range

Frequently Asked Questions...............11

• 20W from 90 to 512MHz

About Thales Communications...........12

• -116dBm FM receive sensitivity typical

CVA

• Cradle securing the AN/PRC-148 handheld radio can be installed in convenient location for

jerk-and-run capability with Power Amplifier installed in another location up to 15ft away from the Cradle

For more information on Thales increased RF output power, visit our website at https://secure. thalescomminc.com/cart2/vaSysDesc.asp or email us at [email protected], or call us at 1-800-914-0303. AN/PRC-148 AND VEHICLE ADAPTER TEST CAPABILITY

Thales Communications, Inc. can now provide enhanced test capabilities for fielded products. Two testers are now available that can support all AN/PRC-148 variants and VA/VAA products. The ATS3000P is a portable GO/NO-GO Organizational Level tester hosted on a ruggedized laptop computer; it provides a consolidated, one-man portable test platform that combines the operation capability of many different test instruments into a single compact unit. The ATS3000P supports all requirements of a man-portable, forward deployable Communication Test Set. The size facilitates easy transfer/movement through all vehicular access hatches and its weight allows one person to easily operate in a Stand-Alone or Automated mode. The ATS3000A is designed for Intermediate level maintenance shops and uses a Synthetic Instrumentation architecture, combining the functions of traditional instruments into a single, software-defined platform. This provides the user with a complete and compact RF, analog and digital test platform. It can be used as a standalone or fully automated test system with easy to use graphical user interfaces to diagnose to module exchange level. Please contact us at 1-800-914-0303 or at [email protected], to request a quote or to place an order. 2

Volume 5/Issue 1


CONTACTINFORMATION CUSTOMER SERVICE Toll Free: 1-800-914-0303 International: 1-240-864-7643

Customer Service [email protected] Technical Support [email protected] Product Support [email protected]


2010

AN/PRC-148[V]2[C] / [V]4[C] COMPARISON 20m submersible [Mari-time configuration, AN/PRC-148[V]1[C] AN/PRC-148[V]3[C]* special 10-pin audio/keyfill connector on top of radio] PRC6999-ABS-xxx Part number, Maritime PRC6991-ABS-xxx 2m submersible [Urban configuration, AN/PRC-148[V]2[C] AN/PRC-148[V]4[C] standard 6-pin audio/keyfill connector on top of radio] PRC6991-BBS-xxx Part number, Urban PRC6999-BBS-xxx The three characters, xxx, at the end of the part number define customer specific configurations, such as waveform features.

Aftermarket Sales and Support [email protected]

Some customer specified waveform features are standard, some are extra priced options.

In-theater Product Support and Technical Services [email protected] [email protected]

*Maritime Configuration with 6-pin audio/keyfill connector is P/N PRC6999-ABS-CIS

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Phone: 240-864-7000 Toll Free: 800-258-4420 Tactical Systems, US (includes all US activities overseas) [email protected] Tactical Systems, Coalition and Allied [email protected] Homeland Security/Public Safety, Thales 25 [email protected] Liberty [email protected] Naval/Maritime Systems, HF Radio [email protected] Marketing, Public Relations, and Web Content [email protected]

All configurations, with a rechargeable battery connected, are the same size and weight, that is 8.5” high, 2.6” wide, 1.5” deep [ 21.4 x 6.7 x 3.9cm], 1.9lb [0.86kg]. Features: AN/PRC-148

SINCGARS ASIP/ESIP encrypted AM & FM Line Of Sight [LOS] Basic HAVEQUICK I & II, encrypted Advanced Narrowband Digital Voice Terminal [ANDVT, 5kHz channel], encrypted Retransmission SINCGARS Frequency Hopping [FH] f1/f2 retransmission, encrypted SINCGARS FH2 enhanced operating mode, in accordance with MIL-STD-188-241 GPS enabled Situational Awareness [SA] mode utilizing Remote Control Unit with GPS [RCU, P/N MA6795, or a PLGR or a DAGR] Programmable Channels Programmable Groups Traffic Encryption Keys [TEKs] Simplified Key Loader [SKL] AN/PYQ-10 compatibility JTRS Software Communications Architecture [SCA] Programmable Crypto, Advanced INFOSEC Machine [AIM] Private Josecki Component [PJC] encryption ‘master’ key Hold-Up Battery [HUB] to maintain PJC DS 101 Keyfill [Black Keys] Serial interface for PC Programmer [P/N MA6941L] USB interface for PC Configuration Toolkit [PCCT P/N MA6941N] Data interface on the 18-pin side connector, serial RS-232 Data interface on the 22-pin side connector, USB and serial RS-232 High Throughput Waveform [HTW], 56kbps data rate, in accordance with MIL-STD-188-181B Low Probability of Intercept / Low Probability of Detection [LPI/LPD] Data communication mode with no need for an encryption key Continuously Variable Slope Delta [CVSD] Type 3 Digital Encryption System [DES], analog wideband FM Integrated Waveform [IW] for multi-channel Satellite Communications [SatCom], DAMA successor, in accordance with MIL-STD-188-181C [5kHz and 25kHz UHF SatCom], MIL-STD-188-182B [5kHz and 25kHz demand assigned UHF SatCom] and MIL-STD-188-183B [5kHz and 25kHz multiple access UHF SatCom] APCO Project 25 waveform, digital Advanced Encryption System [AES] compliant, digital narrowband FM Over The Air Cloning [OTAC] Mixed Excitation Linear Predictive [MELP] 2400bps vocoder, in accordance with STANAG 4591 / MIL-STD-13005, provides better audio quality than the MBITR’s original LPC-10 vocoder

(V)2(C)

(V)4(C)

YES YES YES

JEM YES YES YES

YES YES YES

YES YES YES

YES

YES

YES 100 10 6 YES NO NO NO NO NO YES NO YES NO

YES 256 16 20 YES YES YES YES YES YES NO YES NO YES

NO YES YES

YES YES YES

YES

NO

NO

YES

NO NO

YES YES

YES

YES

Release of new features is dependent on Government testing and approvals 3

Volume 5/Issue 1



2010

Current Firmware Releases AN/PRC-148 Family and Thales 25

Current firmware versions for the AN/PRC-148 family, the Thales 25 and the associated PC Programmers. The radio firmware version is displayed as part of the boot-up and built-in test cycle. The PC Programmer version is displayed from the Help menu. Radio

Receiver / Transmitter ‘brick’ Part Number

Firmware Version & Revision

PC Programmer Part Number, Manual Part Number, Version & Revision

Operator’s Manual Part Number & Revision

Type 1 AN/PRC148[V]3[C] and [V]4[C]

4101658-505 Maritime 4101658-511 Maritime 4101660-507 Urban 4101660-510 Urban

Version 06.01.00.0200 Revision

MA6941N Version 04.00 Revision D Manual 84358 Revision F

84357 Revision G

Type 1 AN/PRC148[V]1[C] and [V]2[C]

4101104-501 Maritime 4101195-501 Urban

Version 2.38 Revision AC

MA6941F Version 1.10 Revision K Manual 84333 Revision G

84329 Revision G

Non-Type 1 PRC6809

4101422-504 Maritime 4101349-502 Urban

Version 1.17 Revision F

MA6941L Version 1.05 Revision C Manual 84262 Revision D

84345 Revision C

Thales 25

4101256-50x x can be 1, 3 or 5

Version 8.3 for MA6941C 84326 -503 and up Version 5.0 Revision H Revision G Version 5.13 for Manual 84330 Revision H -501 Programming Cable, part number 3500393-501, is required to upgrade firmware of AN/PRC-148[V]1[C] and [V]2[C] using a PC with an RS-232 serial port with WindowsXP Programming Cable, part number 1100592-501, is required to upgrade firmware of AN/PRC-148[V]3[C] and [V]4[C] using a PC with a USB port using WindowsXP or Vista. Window 7 with next release of MA6941N Programming Cable, part number 85302, is required to upgrade Thales 25 firmware using a PC with a RS-232 serial port

Current firmware of the Power Amplifiers used with the AN/PRC-148 family of hand held radios Power Amplifier

Part Number

Firmware Version & Revision

PC Programmer Part Number, Manual Part Number, Version & Revision

Vehicle Adapter [VA] MA6943

4101524-501


MA6941F Version 1.09 Revision K Manual 84333 Revision G

84359 Revision C

Vehicle Adapter Exciter [VAE]

4101849-501


As above

84381 Revision A

Low Profile Vehicle Adapter [LPVA] MA7135

4102214-502

Version 02.01.01 Revision D

As above

84407 Revision A

Cradle Vehicle 4102340-501 Version 02.01.01 As above Adapter [CVA] Revision F MA7138 AN/VRC-113 Programming Cable, part number 3500613-501, is required to upgrade VA and VAE firmware

4

Operator’s Manual Part Number & Revision

84410 Revision B

Volume 5/Issue 1



2010

Current Firmware Releases for Naval/Maritime Products Equipment TMR 1090 1kW Linear Power Amplifier TMR 1096 125W Linear Power Amplifier TMR 3302 Dual ALE Modem TMR 4090 1kW Antenna Coupler TMR 4095 125W Whip Antenna Coupler TMR 4096 125W NVIS Antenna Coupler TMR 6490 Remote Control Unit TMR 6491 Remote Control Unit with External Power Supply TMR 8092 HF Transceiver

Part Number

Software / Firmware Version

796010-000-001 796012-000-001 799075-001-002 798012-000-001 798011-000-003 798013-000-001 799070-000-001

3.14 2.30 1.68 1.00 2.01 3.05 6.04

799072-000-001

6.04

794054-000-001

2.69

LibertyTM Multiband Land Mobile Radio – An Update Background. Introduced in early 2008 and FCC-certified in early 2009, the LibertyTM multiband software-defined Land Mobile Radio (LMR) is the first multiband LMR interoperable across all public safety bands (136-174, 380-520, 700, and 800 MHz). It provides all modes standardized for public safety use, including analog FM and P25, conventional and trunked. The Liberty radio provides full encryption capabilities, including DES, AES, and OTAR. It is size, weight, and performance equivalent to existing single-band portable LMRs and eliminates the requirement to carry multiple radios to cover fragmented frequency bands. Pilot Testing. As part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate’s Multi-Band Radio Program, the Liberty radio is currently undergoing pilot testing. (See Customer Commitment Fall 2009, Volume 4/Issue 2.), Contract Vehicles. The Liberty radio recently received Tiers 1, 2, and 3 approval from the U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) TSC test lab. It is available to participating agencies and bureaus (including the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Forest Service, Geologic Service, Department of Agriculture, and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services) under DOI contract number GS-TFMG-BPA-09-0012. It is also available on GSA Schedule. P25 CAP and Performance Testing. The Liberty radio is in the process of completing all applicable portable radio Project 25 Compliance Assessment Program (P25 CAP) testing. Having passed the first of the tests for trunking interoperability late last year (Tait), the radio has now passed trunking interoperability on a second vendor’s infrastructure (Motorola). Once a third trunking interoperability test, as well as performance testing, have been completed, Thales will be qualified to issue a Suppliers Declaration of Compliance (SDOC). The SDOC assures users that our equipment complies with established standards based on testing from laboratories recognized by DHS. Further, the CAP program provides a means of verifying that Federal grant dollars are being invested in standardized solutions that promote interoperability for the more than 60,000 emergency response agencies nationwide. Accessories. The Liberty radio is supported by a full line of accessories, including AA Clamshell Battery, PC Programmer, and Battery Management Software. The AA Clamshell is a 12-alkaline battery providing 8 hours operation at 2 Watts at a duty cycle of 10:10:80 (TX:RX: STBY). Its unique cassette design allows the battery to be easily changed, attached to the radio or not. The PC Programmer has an easy-to-use layout, simple USB radio connection, a secure hardware system key for trunking security, and free updates for the life of the product. The Battery Management Software is a stand-alone utility that works with any Thales charger, including the 6-way charger and new Universal Charger. Detailed displays include Performance, Battery Information, and Runtime/Available Capacity. For more information, vist www.thalesliberty.com

Expanded Support in Afghanistan The Customer Support Depa rtment (CSD) ha s been work ing closely with coa lition forces, the U.S. Ma rine Corps (USMC), U.S. A rmy Communications Electronic s Comma nd (CECOM) a nd Ma nTech Corp. to expa nd its Field Support capabilit y to additiona l locations within A fgha nista n. We currently have a n established ma intena nce depot at Bagra m A irba se with three a ssigned Field Support technicia ns. We a lso have recently established a n additiona l ma intena nce depot at Ca mp L eatherneck to support the A N/PRC -148 a nd VA / VA A products a nd provide tra ining a nd technica l support ser vices in support of USMC operations. A CSD Field Technicia n wa s deployed in June 2010 to this new location to establish a nd implement this new repa ir a nd support capabilit y. For additiona l information on support requirements plea se contact: a fg ha nista n.suppor t@t ha lescomminc.com or 1-800 -914 - 0303 5

Volume 5/Issue 1



Grow and Further Your Skills See what great OPPORTUNITIES await YOU at THALES COMMUNICATIONS, INC.! COME GROW YOUR CAREER WITH US!

Visit our web site www.thalescomminc.com Go to Careers, Click on Careers Opportunities and Select View All Open Job Positions

FEATUREENHANCEMENTS

Features for the AN/PRC-148(V)4(C) are Now Available on Our Web Site We have launched a new tool within the web site’s Shopping Cart that will allow users to obtain enhanced features for the AN/PRC148(V)4(C). Authorized users can now log into the Customer Support area of the website and enter either the transceiver part number with serial number combination, or the Sales Order the radio was originally procured under. This will display a listing of the features that are available for the particular radio. The features currently authorized will display ‘installed’. Features available for purchase will be displayed with the ability to select the feature[s] the user wishes to purchase. When entering a transceiver part number, for example, 4101660-507, and serial number combination, there is also the ability to list all radios that were procured with the associated Sales Order. Once the selected options are submitted through the checkout process, the featured options will be available through a simple field upgrade process from any location worldwide. Instructions will be emailed along with order confirmation. To register for Shopping Cart access, as well as many other support areas of the website, please go to www.thalescomminc.com and select ‘Customer Sign In’ under the Customer Support area, then select ‘Click here to register’ and provide the requested information. You will receive confirmation via email once you have been authorized to access the Shopping Cart and technical resources website areas. Please contact us at 1-800-914-0303 or [email protected],. 6

2010

Volume 5/Issue 1



2010

ONLINEASSISTANCE THALES COMMUNICATIONS WEB SITE

To access Technical Resources and the Shopping Cart on the Thales Communications, Inc. web site www.thalescomminc.com, select “Customer Sign-in” under the “Customer Support” banner. Scroll to the right hand corner of the screen and select “Click here to register” to create a new Customer Center user account. Follow the guidance below. Please note, approval to download technical resource information, and to view shopping cart prices, is not automatic. All access requests for technical resources and shopping cart pricing will be reviewed.

CUSTOMER CENTER

O NL INE R EGIS T R AT ION

1. Create A User Account 1

Military Examples: • US Army, 3 BDE, 1ID • USAF, SFS, 110 Fighter Wing • USMC, 5MARREG, 1MARDIV • US Navy, EODMU11

2

Ensure appropriate information is entered into all mandatory fields with the asterisk.

3

Ensure all contact information is accurate and complete.

4

Note: US State Department regulation requires “official” government e-mail address for technical resource and shopping cart access.

5

Identify The Appropriate Resource Area • Tactical Communications, AN/PRC-148 • Public Safety/Homeland Security, Thales 25 • Naval/Maritime, TMR HF radios

6

Select if you require access to the Technical Resources to download operator manuals, etc. [access requests will be reviewed before access is granted]

1

2

3

4

6

5 8 7

7

8

Select if you require access to the online Shopping Cart to purchase radio accessories or to request a quote, etc. [access requests will be reviewed before access is granted] Press “Register” button

After review you will receive email notification that your access request has been approved.

2. Customer Care Online 1

Drop down list of common tasks.

2

Start a new RMA to return equipment for repair. Once the RMA has been approved, the RMA number is emailed. Once the equipment has been received, repair status can be checked and its return shipment confirmed with tracking details.

3

Part number and serial number are written on the data plate of the equipment. By entering this information, the warranty status, either in or out, can be displayed.

4

Edits can be made to the customer’s name, email address, shipping address, phone number, etc.

5

Entering an order number, or an RMA number, with a ship-to zip code, provides shipment confirmation with tracking details.

6

Once Shopping Cart access has been given to approved government customers, credit card purchases can be made, or an e-quote can be created for subsequent credit card purchase.

7

Once access has been approved, documents and files can be downloaded, such as Operator’s Manuals, Radio Firmware, Technical Notices, etc.

8

Technical Support Is Provided In Three Areas • Tactical Communications, AN/PRC-148 family • Public Safety/Homeland Security, Thales 25, Liberty • Naval/Maritime, TMR HF radios

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

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Volume 5/Issue 1



2010

THALESGIVES BACK

Supporting Those Who Defend, Protect, and Secure Our Liberty and Homeland Thales Communications supports many foundations and charitable organizations that sustain our country’s warfighters and first responders, including: The Air Force Aid Society, the official charity of the U.S. Air Force, promotes the Air Force mission by helping to relieve distress of Air Force members and their families and assisting them to finance their education. It is rooted in the original Army Air Corps and the World War II Army Air Forces, whose members wanted to “take care of their own.” For more information, visit http://www.afas.org. The Coast Guard Foundation, founded in 1969, was initially created to provide funds for academic, athletic, and morale needs of the Coast Guard Academy and its cadets which were not covered by federal operational funding. The Foundation later expanded its charter to support projects that enhance the education, welfare, and morale of all Coast Guard members and their families. For more information, visit http://coastguardfoundation.org. The Marine Corps Association (MCA) Foundation oversees programs associated with events for Marines, awards, and acts as the fundraising arm of the Marine Corps Association. MCA’s mission is to support the Marine Corps by disseminating knowledge of military art and science among Marines; provide professional development opportunities for Marines; and foster the spirit and preserve the traditions of Marines. For more information, visit http://mcafdn.org. The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation provides scholarships for post-high school education to deserving sons and daughters of Marines with particular attention given to children whose parent has been killed or wounded in action. It is the nation’s oldest and largest need-based scholarship organization supporting U.S. military families. For more information, visit http://www.mcsf.org. Congress created the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to lead a nationwide effort to honor America’s fallen firefighters. Since 1992, the non-profit Foundation has developed and expanded programs that fulfill that mandate. Their mission is to honor and remember America’s fallen fire heroes and to provide resources to assist their survivors in rebuilding their lives. For more information, visit http://www.firehero.org. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund is dedicated to honoring all of America’s law enforcement heroes – those who have died in the line of duty and those who continue to serve and protect. That mission is accomplished through the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC, as well as programs such as Officer of the Month, Officer Roll Call and others. For more information, visit http://www.nleomf.org. In existence for almost 15 years, the TACP Association was recently restructured and completely revamped to bring the career-field closer together. With a team of 10 individuals all active or retired Tactical Air Control Party Members, they are constantly working on projects to either raise funds or get the ROMADs together. For more information, visit http://usaftacp.com/about, The Special Operations Warrior Foundation provides full scholarship grants and educational and family counseling to the surviving children of special operations personnel who die in operational or training missions and immediate financial assistance to severelywounded special operations personnel and their families. For more information, visit http://www.specialops.org That Others May Live is a foundation providing post-secondary education assistance to children whose U.S. Air Force parents or guardians were lost in a personnel recovery mission, training, or other personnel recovery collateral mission. Their goal is to ensure every child of a fallen personnel recovery professional receives every opportunity for success. For more information, visit http://www.thatothersmaylive.org. The annual U.S. Army Ten Miler is the kick-off event for the annual Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) convention held in Washington, DC. This year’s Ten Miler is scheduled for Sunday, October 24. Since 1950, AUSA has worked to support all aspects of national security while advancing the interests of America’s Army and the men and women who serve. For more information on the U.S. Army Ten Miler, visit http://www.armytenmiler.com.

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Volume 5/Issue 1



2010

TRADESHOWS COMING IN 2010 Thales will be participating in the following trade shows:

Date

Location

Booth #

Modern Day Marine

10/28-30/10

Quantico, VA

1121

IACP (International Association of Chiefs of Police)

10/24-26/10

Orlando, FL

2229

AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition (Association of the U.S. Army)

10/25-27/10

Washington, DC

845

Kirtland AF

10/26

Albuquerque, NM

SOFEX 10 (Special Operations Forces Symposium and Exibition)

11/2-4/10

Fort Bragg, NC

U.S. Coast Guard Innovation Expo

11/2-4

Tampa, FL

APCO Canada Annual Conference

11/15-18/10

Vancouver, CA

Nellis AF

12/9

Las Vegas, NV

The

304

Customer Support Department 24/7 Call Support Center

Customers who call the Customer Service 1-800 number are now given three (3) options to properly route their requests: Technical Assistance, Repairs/Product Support and Aftermarket Support/Sales. Incoming calls are routed to the appropriate Customer Service Specialist to ensure all inquiries are addressed as quickly as possible.

To contact Customer Service, please call us at:

1-800-914-0303

(For International Customers: +1-240-864-7643)

Option 1. TECHNICAL assistance and general inquiries [email protected]

Option 2. REPAIRS Return Material Authorizations (RMAs) and other product support assistance [email protected]

Option 3. SALES for spares and ancillary items, to request quotes and make purchases, web site/shopping cart assistance [email protected]

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Volume 5/Issue 1



2010

BEYOND THE HANDHELD RADIO... Airborne Systems The AN/PRC-148 technology extends to a myriad of operational environments, including airborne systems. The Multichannel, Multiband Airborne Radio (MMAR) packages the modules from two handheld radios into an airborne-qualified Air Transport Radio (ATR)-style enclosure specifically targeted at airborne VHF/UHF communications for relay payload applications. It supports dual independent radios or retransmission with crossbanding configurations. With integrated co-site filtering, the MMAR is uniquely suited to reduce interference from other emitters on the platform, and, with integrated IP/VoIP capability, it is able to easily integrate into airborne network topologies. Also for airborne applications, the Lightweight Multiband Airborne Radio (LMAR) repackages the modules of one handheld radio with the proper power conditioning and filtering for airborne applications. The LMAR was developed primarily for Unattended Airborne Vehicle (UAV) applications. Thales Communications is providing a unique version of the LMAR to the UK’s Ministry of Defence Watchkeeper program. The Watchkeeper system provides enhanced capability that will enable commanders to detect and track targets for many hours without the need to deploy troops into potentially sensitive or dangerous areas. Watchkeeper flew for the first time in the UK on April 14, 2010, taking off from dedicated facilities at Parc Aberporth in West Wales for a 20-minute flight.

MMAR

For more information on MMAR and LMAR, please contact [email protected] Recent Events Thales Supports Airborne Communications Relay Flight Testing with the MMAR: The MMAR was part of a successful demonstration in July to the U.S. Government by Northrop Grumman of their BAT UAV. The event was conducted at Camp Roberts, California.

LMAR

AN/PRC-148 Facilitates Demonstration of High-Performance Narrowband Relay Communications System: The Boeing Company and its subsidiary Insitu Inc. announced in July that they successfully demonstrated a high-performance Narrowband Relay communications system aboard a ScanEagle UAV. Two Thales AN/PRC-148-compatible radios were used in this relay. Thales Sends MMAR to JEFX-10: The U.S. Air Force’s Joint Expeditionary Force Experiment 2010 (JEFX 10-3) was held April 13-23, 2010, at Nevada Test and Training Range, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Thales supplied the MMAR to Ultra Electronics in support of their Tactical Communications Suite for Unmanned Aerial Systems under a contract from USAF ESC.

SINCGARS In addition to enhancing the capabilities of the warfighter with our own products, Thales Communications is leveraging the AN/PRC-148 core technology with the strengths of our partners to bring other advanced capabilities to the battlefield. Under the Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS) Software In-Service Support (SwISS) contract, the ITT Communications Systems/Thales Communications team is providing technical support, software maintenance/upgrades, and enhancements to baseline Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) SINCGARS software for the Joint Program Executive Office (JPEO) JTRS Network Enterprise Domain. 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. Under a separate contract for SINCGARS Baseline Systems, System Enhancement, and Logistics Support, the ITT/Thales Communications team is providing approximately 58,000 SINCGARS radio systems to the U.S. Army. The new 1523G systems represent an upgraded version of the SINCGARS radio system, of which more than 500,000 have been fielded by ITT to the Army. Enhanced technical capabilities and JTRS technology will be integrated into the new radio systems, providing a radio platform that aligns with the future capabilities of the JTRS Program. For more information on our SINCGARS technology, please contact [email protected]

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q: How do I load a complete SINCGARS load set into an AN/PRC148[V]1[C] and [V]2[C]MBITR with the SKL? A: Ensure the MBITR firmware is at least Version 2.37. The firmware version is displayed at the end of the Built-In-Test cycle after powering-on the MBITR The latest firmware can be downloaded from Technical Resources after signing-in on the web site. Q. When using the ANDVT mode for satellite communication, how can the audio voice quality be improved? A. An improved vocoder is available for purchase for both (V)2(C) and (V)4(C); this is called the Mixed Excitation Linear Predictive vocoder, or MELP. Q: Why is the transmit power of my 5W hand held radio less in AM mode? A: A typical fielded power meter, such as the AN/GRM-122 SINCGARS Test Set, measures the average of an amplitude

modulated signal that has peaks and valleys of amplitude. The mathematical value is peak power divided by the square root of 2. With a frequency modulated signal, which has constant amplitude, the power meter will measure peak power. Q: When will the PC Configuration Toolkit [PCCT] for the AN/PRC148[V]3[C] and [V]4[C] be compatible with 64-bit Vista and Windows 7? A: The current PCCT, Version 4, is compatible with 32-bit Vista; the next PCCT release, Version 5, is scheduled for 4th quarter 2010 and will be compatible with 64-bit Vista and Windows 7.

Please request access to Technical Resources on the web site to see the answers to the underlisted questions. Q: Why can I transmit, but not receive voice traffic while in SatCom mode? Q: With AN/PRC-148[V]3[C] and [V]4[C] why do I see ‘ALL COMSEC KEYS ERASED’ followed by ‘PRESS ESC’ to Exit? Q: Can the Beacon mode of the AN/ PRC-148 be used for rescue purposes?

Q: From a shipment point of view are Thales Lithium-Ion batteries for the AN/PRC-148 considered hazardous? Is a Material Safety Data Sheet [MSDS] required? A: No !! The ampere-hour rating of a battery is below the Class 9 limit which requires an MSDS.

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ABOUT

THALES COMMUNICATIONS Thales Communications is a global leader in the development, manufacture, and support of battle-proven, software-defined, radio equipment and solutions. We serve the ground, naval, airborne, and homeland security domains with tactical electronic equipment and information systems that address the technological and environmental challenges presented in real-world situations—especially those with size, weight, and power constraints. Serving the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. civilian agencies, and allied and coalition forces globally, Thales Communications plays a direct role in the Global War on Terror. Thales Communications’ headquarters campus in Clarksburg, Maryland, and second location in Germantown, Maryland, house two state-of-theart manufacturing plants as well as our 24/7 Customer Support Department. We also provide in-theater support to US and Coalition Forces in Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Thales Communications, Inc. 22605 Gateway Center Drive | Clarksburg, MD 20871 Web sites: www.thalescomminc.com | www.thalesliberty.com Customer Service 1-800-914-0303 | 1-240-864-7643 12

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