Army looking to upgrade SINCGARS

The Army is seeking white papers regarding the "Combat Net Radio," an assured voice Single-Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System specifically for fires and air defense command and control in areas with limited data capability.

A recent request for information says the Army will consider "single-purpose/single-band or single-purpose/multiband (software-defined) radio technologies."

"The RFI was based on requirements outlined in the integrated tactical network [capabilities development document] Combat Network Radio portion with focus on enabling cryptographic modernization of the aging existing legacy radios," Army spokesman Paul Mehney told Inside Defense in an email.

The service wants mature capabilities from non-developmental items to modular open systems.

The notice adds the effort may require hardware and software, and the Combat Net Radio solution must use existing radio components "as much as possible for the platforms being upgraded," including SINCGARS and the Ultra High-Frequency Satellite Communications capability.

White papers are due by Sept. 13.