USAF Software Defined Radios use Multi-node Network to Extend Data Range

Collins Aerospace is developing two new software-defined radios (SDRs) that combine commercial-off-the-shelf technology with military hardware to expand network nodes and extend the effective range that data can travel By DA Staff / 28 May 2021

Software Defined Radio SDR

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Follow DA

Collins Aerospace is developing two software-defined radios (SDRs) for the U.S. Air Force that will connect and transmit airborne and ground radio data for the first time using a multi-node network. 

The Software Programmable Agile Radio for Tactical Connected Ubiquitous Systems (SPARTACUS) and Software Programmable Agile Radio Frequency (RF) Tactical Aerial Network (SPARTAN) aims to leverage an Open Systems architecture to enable the Air Force to develop and implement mission-specific waveforms.

Large airborne and ground data sets – which may include imagery and video – are transported by different waveforms making it difficult to get data to key decision makers quickly. 

By combining commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) technology with military hardware, Collins Aerospace aims to make it possible for network nodes to expand and extend the effective range data can travel.

“The radios developed for the SPARTACUS and SPARTAN programs enable the warfighter to transmit data high data rates and allow them to focus on the mission at hand,” said Ryan Bunge, vice president and general manager, Communication, Navigation and Guidance Solutions for Collins Aerospace.

The Collins Aerospace ground radio for the SPARTACUS program will connect ground links to air links in an aircraft. The radio is designed to support legacy and future waveforms, and can also integrate additional third party waveforms. 

The Collins Aerospace SPARTAN radio is capable of operating multiple waveforms simultaneously and the SPARTAN and SPARTACUS radios share common design elements, supporting a wide variety of waveform capabilities including multi-node directional data links and beyond-line-of-sight SATCOM links.

Posted by DA Staff Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

New Tactical-Grade MEMS IMU from Inertial Labs

The three-axis IMU-H100 weighs just 160 grams and offers a gyro and accel bias of 1 deg/hr and 1 mg respectively

May 07, 2025
VectorNav Collaborates to Develop Iridium STL-Aided INS for GNSS-Denied Operations

VectorNav is collaborating with NAL research to develop Iridium STL-aided INS solutions for resilient navigation in GNSS-denied and degraded environments

May 07, 2025
Wireless X-Ray Imaging Solution for EOD Debuts at SOF Week

DTC and Cuattro are unveiling SafeSignal™ at SOF Week 2025, a secure wireless x-ray imaging solution for explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), tactical, and homeland security operations

May 07, 2025
Trillium Engineering Demonstrates Precise GPS-Denied Geolocation on Group 2 UAS

Trillium Engineering’s GD-Loc, integrated with the HD55-MV gimbal on a Group 2 UAS, has demonstrated sustained Category 1 geolocation accuracy under GPS-denied conditions, enhancing critical ISR mission capabilities

May 07, 2025
New AI-Driven Security System Targets Rising Maritime Threats

ZeroEyes and Picogrid have launched Z-CAS, an AI-powered coastal defense system designed to detect and counter maritime threats to U.S. military assets

May 07, 2025
EIZO Introduces New GPGPU Card for Real-Time Video & AI Processing

EIZO Rugged Solutions introduces the Condor GR6S-AD2000, a rugged, SOSA-aligned 3U VPX video graphics card featuring NVIDIA’s RTX 2000 Ada GPU

May 06, 2025

Featured Content

Modular Head-Mounted Digital System for Real-Time Decision Support in Contested Environments

Galvion's new CORTEX™ system integrates compute, power, and data management into a modular helmet-mounted platform designed for modern tactical operations.

May 06, 2025
Partnership to Enhance Networking Capabilities for Defense Platforms

Amphenol Aerospace and BotBlox have partnered to distribute and integrate compact, rugged Ethernet hardware for defense platforms, enhancing networking capabilities and accelerating product development for uncrewed and mobile systems

May 01, 2025
Sky Power to Showcase ISR UAV Propulsion Technology at XPONENTIAL 2025

Sky Power International will present advanced UAV propulsion technologies at XPONENTIAL 2025, highlighting powerful engines, hybrid systems, and customized solutions for ISR and civilian applications

Apr 29, 2025
Advancing Defense Capability Through Strategic Collaboration Defense Advancement works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive defense capabilities forward.