Re: Canadian Armed Force - Land
Our radio system (I also post a post about our assault radio before and here's the rest) (Only have one post left on equipment, it's about our heavy combat equipement)
The Tactical Command and Control Communications System (TCCCS) replaced old radio equipment used by the Army with the state-of-the-art Iris Digital Communications System. (TCCCS is the name of the overall project, while Iris is the name of the actual communications system). Iris provides the Army with secure, reliable and integrated communications. Ultimately, it will be part of a digitized command system designed to create a seamless web for rapid transmission of information between sensors, combat troops and decision-makers. For example, one component called the Situation Awareness sub-System (SAS), will permit vehicle and unit commanders to know where all unit and enemy vehicles are with pinpoint accuracy day or night and in any weather.
Now that the $1.4 billion system is installed and fully operational, the Canadian Army has the most integrated digitized command and control system in the world. The project began in 1985 and was completed at the end of 2002.
For more information on this project, refer to the Iris Digital Communications System.
nformation must be shared quickly and securely by soldiers, commanders, and high-tech sensors operating on the modern battlefield. The Iris digital communications system gives the Army this capability. The Tactical Command and Control Communications System Project (TCCCS) replaced old radio equipment with the state-of-the-art Iris communications system. As a result, the Canadian Army has the most integrated digitized command and control system in the world.
Iris is a complete voice and data distribution system that consists of radios, telephones, computers, custom software, fibre-optic and wireless networks, trunk, satellite, and encryption and management applications. Iris provides a secure, survivable, and responsive means of tactical and strategic communications to support the Army's commitments in Canada and overseas.
The ability of commanders to effectively manoeuvre their troops is greatly enhanced by Iris. It supports commanders in making timely and balanced decisions based upon current information, and it operates in a range of geographic, climatic, and electromagnetic environments in Canada and throughout the world.
What Will Iris Do For Canada’s Army?
Iris brings communications for the Canadian Army into a new era of technology. Some fundamental improvements Iris offers are:
* Integrated voice and data capability
* Local Distribution Networks between vehicles
* Integrated links from hand-held radios, up to and including satellite communications
* Increased security via the implementation of frequency hopping technology
* Message handling with an integrated tactical e-mail system
Iris uses state of the art technology to bring the highest calibre of communication means to Canada’s Army. This goal has been obtained through the following improvements:
Frequency Spectrum Utilization
Iris employs frequency-hopping technology, resulting in broader use of channels and compliance with NATO and national regulations.
Data Handling
Iris provides effective data capability with reliability and speed.
Capacity
There is an increased voice and data capacity and integration within battle group and formation command posts. Exchange of data within and among levels of command is now possible.
Interoperability
Iris has the ability to interface with existing Canadian and allied force systems as well as North American and European commercial systems.
Survivability
The expected survivability of equipment and system functionality has increased significantly with Iris. Timely restoration of communications is excellent due to the system’s modular design, its redundant links, and the automatic switching capabilities, which in the event of link failure, will transfer signals to still-functional components. Also, Iris equipment is protected against the wide-ranging electromagnetic effects of nuclear explosion, namely electromagnetic pulse (EMP), and transient radiation effects on electronics (TREE). It will withstand the effects of nuclear and conventional weapons to at least the same degree as the soldier operating the equipment. It will resist permanent or long lasting contamination by chemical and biological agents and withstand decontamination.
Security
Most Iris manpack radios have embedded crypto, making secure communications possible without the need for external cryptographic devices. The Canadian Key Management Unit (CKMU) provides security services to assist in key management and the enforcement of the system security policy.
Timeliness
Iris System operators access the system directly, thus accelerating the passage of information. The Communication Management System (CMS) provides fully automated planning and control features for the system.
Mobility and Range
The Iris Trunk System (ITS) allows users to access other users through the various nodes and the Information Distribution System (IDS). The Trunk system uses switching to extend the range of tactical communications links across tactical boundaries, including strategic, allied, and commercial networks. Telephone and data services are available to every user.
Maintainability
Repairs of the Iris System occur as far forward as possible through fault-location and sub-assembly replacement. Whenever necessary, maintenance activities are supported by a system repair vehicle equipped with an automated test suite.
These improvements over the current communication system deliver a positive impact on the effectiveness of command and control, allied interoperability, and future development.
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Iris Components
Iris is made up of more than 200 types of equipment, including 15,000 radios, 1,500 data terminals, and three major software applications. Components of the system are installed in approximately 5,000 armoured and soft-skinned vehicles. Each of the systems or subsystems can operate independently; however, the full operational capability of the Iris System is met when they operate as a whole. The major components of Iris are as follows:
Combat Net Radios (CNR)
Information Distribution System (IDS)
Iris Trunk System (ITS)
Long Range Communications System (LRCS)
Iris System Management (ISM)
Tactical Message Handling System (TMHS)
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Combat Net Radio (CNR)
The Iris Combat Net Radio system consists of a full range of tactical radios. These include net-radio, point-to-point, ship-to-shore, air-ground-air, long range, and voice and data communications covering the HF, VHF, and UHF bands. The equipment can be employed in vehicles, ship, or manpack configurations. The Combat Net Radio subsystems provide users with the means to transmit and receive voice and data messages utilizing the Tactical Message Handling System(TMHS), and Radio Nodes (RN). The Combat Net Radio systems currently being used by the Army include:
Combat Net Radio (Primary)
Light Assault Radio
Combat Net Radio (HF)
Air-Ground-Air Radio
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Information Distribution System (IDS)
The IDS forms the heart of the Iris System. This system integrates all the components into a unified tactical command, control, and communications system at the Headquarters site. It serves users at all levels of command in a variety of vehicle configurations. Tactical command posts, formation headquarters, designated armoured vehicles, and other selected command vehicles use IDS to access secure and non-secure voice and data communications resources.
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Iris Trunk System (ITS)
The ITS allows users to access other users of the trunk system through the various nodes and the Information Distribution System. It operates over fibre optic cables and UHF and SHF Line-of-Sight Radio Relays. The switching capability of the ITS extends the range of tactical communications links across tactical boundaries and through the long range capability of the Iris System to strategic, allied, or commercial networks.
Long Range Communications System (LRCS)
The LRCS provides extended range communications to commanders in the field by the use of both tactical and strategic resources. It is made up of both satellite and HF facilities, which can support operations independently or together as a system. The LRCS is divided into two main parts: a Static Switching site and Field Detachments.
Static Switching Site
The Static Switching site contains the Tactical Interface Equipment (TIE), which is used to interconnect the deployed detachments. The system(s) support secure voice and data communications over extended ranges not covered by other Iris components.
Field Detachments
The field detachments consist of the following:
* The Tactical Long Range Communication Terminal Detachment (TLRCT): The TLRCT detachment provides a mobile satellite ground station vehicle that provides Satellite Communications (SATCOM) with the Static site, or to another TLRCT.
* Medium Communications Terminal Detachment (MCT): The MCT Detachment provides extended range HF communications with one of the CF High Frequency Radio stations, and other MCT Detachmentss, and is also compatible with the Combat Net Radio (High Frequency).
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Iris System Management (ISM)
Iris System Management provides the Signal organizations of the Canadian Army with the ability to perform communication management functions without disrupting the elements that they support. This ensures a continuous and reliable communication system despite dispersion of resources, hostile activity, frequent tactical moves, and planned connectivity changes.
ISM is made up of three subsystem management tools and the Tactical Message Handling System (TMHS). The TMHS provides e-mail service for the user and a transport layer for the system management tools to function. The subsystem management tools are, the Communication Management System (CMS), the Cryptographic Material Management System (CMMS), and IDS Network Management (INM). Additional support for ISM comes from the IDS Network Services (INS) and IDS Operating to System Extension (IOSX).
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Tactical Message Handling System (TMHS)
The Iris System TMHS provides users with secure, tactical messaging capability through the data terminals assigned to them. It provides electronic messaging and a store and forward capability for mobile users. The segment interfaces with CF strategic and allied messaging systems. Users are able to transmit and receive messages utilizing either Combat Net Radio or Iris Trunk System links. Incorporated into the TMHS are the pre-formatted common reports required for field operations as well as the ability to write free-text messages.
The Combat Net Radio (Primary), or CNR(P), is a state-of-the-art, secure digital radio designed for twenty-first century battlefield operations. It is a VHF FM-radio, which can be operated in fixed frequency or frequency-hopping mode. These radios have built-in voice and data encryption, and can be carried by dismounted troops or mounted in vehicles or ships.
Specifications:
Half duplex, frequency-hopping, secure, tactical, digital VHF FM Radio
30 MHz to 108 MHz in 25 kHz channels
Incorporates Electronic Counter Counter Measure (ECCM)
Meets environmental extremes listed in STANAG 2895 and MIL-STD-810D
Conforms to EMC/EMI Requirements of MIL-STD-461C
Integral VINSON compatible crypto module
Conforms to TEMPEST requirements of NACSIM 5100A and CID/09/14
Nomenclatures:
AN/PRC-522: Manpack radio set
AN/VRC-513 (V)1: Medium power vehicle installation radio set
AN/VRC-513 (V)2: High power vehicle installation radio set
Transceiver Characteristics:
Height: 90 mm
Width: 238 mm
Depth: 220 mm
Weight: 4.8 kg
General Characteristics:
Frequency Range: 30 - 107.975 MHz (3120) channels in single channel or frequency hopping
Bandwidth: 25 kHz
Modulation: FM (F3E)
Channels: 8 programmable channels to store single frequencies or ECCM frequency sets
Modes: Analogue or digital; secure or plain text; radio rebroadcast; remote control mode
Frequency spacing/channel steps: 25 kHz
Radio rebroadcast: Mixed modes, Automatic mode selection
ECCM Modes:
Wideband hopping
Narrowband hopping (band selectable)
Barred Bands:
4 frequency hopping
16 frequency hopping
256 frequency hopping
Built-in Tests:
Transmit/Receive level indicator
Battery voltage indicator
Power-on automatic internal module test
Manually initiated internal module test
Power Supply:
Supply voltage: 12V or 28V nominal (to QSTAG 307)
Manpack Rechargeable Battery life: (1:1:8 cycle) 12 hours typical (at 20ºC)
Lithium batteries are also available for Manpack operations
Transmitter:
Power output: 0.1 watts, 4 watts, 16 watts and 50 watts depending on configuration (manually or remotely selectable)
Receiver:
RX sensitivity: -116dBm (0.35µV) for 10 dB SINAD (analogue) or 10% BER (digital)
Audio output power: 10 mW into 300 ohms
Volume control: Five stepped volume levels or fixed level audio mode
Spurious response and image rejection: Greater than 85 dB
External Controls:
Channel switch
On/off switch
Crypto switch
Frequency entry
Single channel mode select
Frequency hopping mode select
No transmit/low/medium/high power select
Standby mode select
Radio rebroadcast mode select
Display:
Frequency (in single channel), Built-in Test results, selected operational modes
Environmental Characteristics (to MIL-STD-810):
Operating Temperature: -40ºC to +48ºC
Storage Temperature: -51ºC to +63ºC
Accessories:
Low profile manpack antenna
Manpack antenna
Single port vehicular antenna
Rechargeable batteries
Battery chargers
Carrying harnesses
Low profile headset
Handset
Fill device
High power RF amplifier (50 W mode)
Other System Components:
Vehicular adapters
Active noise reduction headsets
Adapter tray to interface with the legacy installation harness (for interim usage only)
Log readers
Product Options:
Internal COMSEC: Embedded with Over the Air Rekeying (OTAR) and VINSON compatibility
Tempest certified to NACSIM 5100A and CID/09/14
The Combat Net Radio (High Frequency), or CNR(HF), is used for guard nets, special tasks, and long-range communications. It uses an external crypto device, and can be deployed as a manpack or mounted in a vehicle.
The CNR(HF) is a self-contained, portable unit with built-in antenna coupler and power amplifier assemblies. All radio system commands are entered through the front panel.
Specifications:
Nomenclatures:
RT-1694 Receiver-Transmitter
General:
Frequency Range: 1.6 to 59.9999 MHz
Preset Channels: 100
Frequency Stability: ± 1 x 10-6
RF Input/Output Impedance: 50 ohms nominal, unbalanced
Power Input: +24 Vdc
Data Interfaces: Synchronous and Asynchronous RS-232C and MIL-STD-188-114A
Temperature Range: -40ºC to +70ºC
Physical Characteristics:
Length: 264 mm
Height: 78 mm
Depth: 216 mm (CNRHF only)
Depth: 338 mm (with battery case)
Weight: 3.86 kg (CNRHF only)
Weight: 7.71 kg (with case and two Ni-Cd batteries)
Receiver Characteristics:
Audio Output: 15 mW at 1000 ohms into external handset
Squelch: Front panel selectable, noise or 150 Hz tone (FM) or RWAS (High Frequency [HF] SSB)
Image and IF Rejection: Greater than 80 dB
Spurious Responses: Less than 10 spurs greater than -90 dBm equivalent input; fewer than 500 spurs are greater than -120 dBm equivalent input
AGC Characteristics: Mode dependent, selectable from front panel
Overload Protection: Receiver protected to 70 Vrms
Receiver Sensitivity:
Single Sideband (SSB): -110 dBm (0.7 uV) for 10 dB SINAD (2.7 kHz bandwidth)
AM: -98 dBm (2.8 uV) for 10 dB SINAD (6 kHz bandwidth 30% modulation)
CW: -117 dBm (0.3 uV) for 10 dB (S+N)/N (0.35 kHz bandwidth)
FM: -107 dBm (1.0 uV) for 10 dB SINAD
Transmitter:
Power Output SSB, CW, AME: 1, 5, 20 watts PEP/Average
Power Output FM: 1, 5, 10 watts
Carrier Suppression: Greater than 60 dB below PEP output (J3E mode)
Undesired Sideband Rejection: Greater than 60 dB below PEP output
Intermodulation Distortion (1.6 - 29.9999 MHz): -24 dBc minimum
Intermodulation Distortion (30.0 - 59.9999 MHz): -18 dBc minimum
Audio Input (Handset): 1.5 m Vrms into 150 ohms
Audio Input (Fixed Level): 0.774 Vrms into 600 ohms
Modes of Operation:
J3E: (single sideband, upper or lower, suppressed carrier telephony)
H3E: (compatible Amplitude Modulation [AM] single sideband plus full carrier)
J2A: (Continuous Wave [CW] single sideband suppressed carrier)
F3E: (Frequency Modulation [FM] telephony)
Antenna Tuning Capability:
50-ohm output: 1.6 to 60 MHz
8, 10, 16-ft. whips: 1.6 to 60 MHz
AS-2259/GR (RF-1936): 3.5 to 30 MHz
RF-1940 Tactical Dipole: 3 to 30 MHz
The Air/Ground/Air, or A/G/A radio, is a VHF/UHF fixed-frequency or frequency-hopping radio that provides tactical air control from the battlefield. This radio is presently in use by the Canadian Army, its primary role being UHF communication between ground soldiers and airborne fixed-wing aircraft. The A/G/A Radio has a VHF capability which is used to communicate with the CNR(P) and, depending on the operational requirement, can be operated in either secure or non-secure mode. It is available in both Man Pack and Vehicle Mounted configurations.
Specifications:
Manpack AN/PRC-113 Components:
RT 1319
Handset/Headset
VHF/UHF Antenna
Battery Case
2 x Nickel Cadmium Rechargeable Batteries or 2 Lithium Batteries
Carrying Harness
Cable Assembly for the KY-57
Cable Assembly for TOD Transfer
Filtered Audio Cable Assembly
KY-57 (if working secure)
Manpack AN/PRC-113 Characteristics:
Power Output: 2 or 10 watts
Frequency Range: VHF 116.000 to 149.975 MHz
Receiver - Transmitter: UHF 225.000 to 399.975 MHz
Guard Receiver: (Fixed UHF frequency) 243.000 MHz
Modulation: Amplitude modulation (am)
Available channels: VHF - 1360, UHF - 7000
Preset Channels: 8
Operating temperature: -29ºC to +68ºC
Watertight: to a depth of 91.4 cm
Manpack AN/PRC-113 Physical Characteristics:
Weight: 7.58 kg (with BB-590/U batteries)
Weight: 6.45 kg (with BA-5590/U batteries)
Length: 322.7 mm
Width: 221.7 mm
Height: 76.2 mm
Vehicular AN/VRC-83 Components:
RT 1319
AM/7176 (amplifier)
TSEC/KY-57 Interconnect Cable
RF Input Cable
Keep Alive Cable (a Y cable running to the Radio Access Unit (RAU) designed to retain the Time of Day (TOD) in case of a brownout)
Handset/Headset
KY-57 (if working secure)
Powered by the 28v DC vehicle charging System
Vehicular AN/VRC-83 Characteristics:
Power Output: 2, 10 or 30 watts
Frequency Range: VHF 116.000 to 149.975 MHz
Receiver - Transmitter: UHF 225.000 to 399.975 MHz
Guard Receiver: (Fixed UHF frequency) 243.000 MHz
Modulation: Amplitude modulation (am)
Available channels: VHF - 1360, UHF - 7000
Preset Channels: 8
Operating temperature: -51ºC to +68ºC
Watertight: to a depth of 91.4 cm
Vehicular AN/VRC-83 Physical Characteristics
Weight: 15.37 kg
Length: 317.5 mm
Width: 263.3 mm
Height: 165 mm