Bittium starts large-scale deliveries of the next generation Tough SDR tactical radios (sponsored) – Digital Battlespace

This article was provided to you by Bittium

Bittium, the Finnish pioneer in tactical software, defines radio stations known for their very successful Bittium Tactical Wireless IP Network T (TAC WIN) radio family, now begins large-scale deliveries of next-generation tactical SDRs, including Bittium Tough SDR Handheld ™ for soldiers deposed by soldiers and Bittium Tough SDR Vehicle ™ for mounting vehicles.

Tactical radios are the result of a long history of research and development of software-defined radios, as well as the implementation of tactical network solutions. Following the success of Bittium TAC WIN as a wireless backbone network for modernizing tactical communications, the new tactical radios are expanding the range of products available for individual tactical radios at the soldier and vehicle levels. This makes it possible to provide broadband data and voice to all mobile troops, starting from the brigade level and across the battlefield.

The Tough SDR radio can be used alone or in conjunction with the TAC WIN to create and share real-time situation information, including location, image, voice, video, and sensor data. This improves the productivity and efficiency of tactical troops, and troop leadership is easier based on modern situational awareness and more reliable connections.

Coalition network with ESSOR

Both radio platforms are equipped with a set of waveforms. They can be used with the broadband Bittium TAC WIN Waveform, which already works with the Bittium TAC WIN system, and its own Bittium Narrowband Waveform. The third option is to use ESSOR High Data Rate Waveform, also for coalition operations. Bittium has been a national champion in the European Secure Software-defined Radio (ESSOR) program since its inception in 2009. The program is currently focused on improving the operational capabilities of the ESSOR waveform. With the waveform, broadband data transfer, cooperation and direct communication between different national troops are possible.

Handheld and car radios can flexibly use the most appropriate waveform, given the conditions and mission. The use of several waveforms, even simultaneously, improves compatibility and allows operations at different levels and missions. The portability of the waveform allows seamless transport of inherited or national patented waveforms with national COMSEC and TRANSEC.

Innovative features for the descending troops

The Bittium Tough SDR Handheld radio provides voice and data in the widest frequency range, from 30 MHz, fully covering up to 2500 MHz, for individual soldiers as a squad or platoon commander. The uniquely wide range of frequency bands significantly improves combat viability.

The radio is the perfect combination to replace the old CNR in operation with different defense forces. This will help modernize the tactical communication infrastructure by providing data on the go, improved situational awareness and C2 applications for dismantled troops, not forgetting best-in-class user interface and usability for easy operation.

Field device management is made easy with a tactical device management package that allows operators, for example, to configure the radio via the web interface and perform remote SW upgrades. The radio also has a secure sand program that provides flexibility to integrate various C2 applications, such as BMS and force tracking and other custom configurations.

Other features of a handheld include wired or wireless integration with COTS tactical tablets or smartphones, including Bittium Tough Mobile ™ ultra secure smartphone family products running Android OS.

Deployment starts in Finland

Initially, Bittium began large-scale deliveries of Tough SDR radios to the Finnish Defense Forces. The radio stations are renewing the existing stockpile of CNR of the Finnish forces with modern radio stations to support the reformed combat doctrine of the Finnish defense forces, together with the Bittium TAC WIN system, which is already used by the Finnish defense forces.

The contract for a purchase of up to € 10.5 million includes additional purchase options worth up to € 207 million. Accordingly, the Finnish Defense Forces have the opportunity to purchase additional tactical radio stations and related accessories, training and management of the system for the army, air force and navy.

The radio stations will take care of highly mobile forces, structuring a sustainable, adaptive and secure network.

– Битций

Bittium also supplied Tough SDR Vehicle radios along with ESSOR HDR Waveform to the pilot vehicles of the Spanish Army’s 8×8 VCR program. In addition, deliveries to the Estonian Defense Forces started at the end of 2019. In Estonia, the delivery of Bittium Tough SDR radios and Bittium TAC WIN products continues the reform that improves the capability and availability of IP data of the Estonian Land Forces. The modernization of tactical communications will also take place in Austria, where the Bittium TAC WIN system has been selected for the new IP-based tactical communication system for the Austrian Defense Forces.

The seamlessly interconnected, reconfigurable family of tactical radios is offered to customers around the world. The radio stations will take care of highly mobile forces, structuring a sustainable, adaptive and secure network. Together with Bittium TAC WIN, the entire portfolio reflects a design philosophy towards improved usability, ease of maintenance and zero configuration.