In the backdrop of electronic warfare assuming a crucial role in today's battlefield environment, Bharat Electronic Limited (BEL) has developed a tactical radio for mobile communications which is not only capable of secure transmission, but also highly resistant to jamming by the enemy.
Development of the radio was initiated at BEL's Panchkula complex about three years ago and some units are presently undergoing trials under various environmental and field conditions.
"Once this phase is over, we expect a trial order from the Army for a few hundred sets," a senior officer at BEL said. "The radio would be installed in armoured vehicles for undergoing trials under realistic battlefield conditions during exercises," he added.
The Army requires thousands of such secure communication sets and the quantum of orders for the radio, if approved for induction, is stated to be worth several hundred crore rupees. The radio is presently referred to as VHF--FH Trans-receiver and is yet to be given a common name.
What makes this set different from other radios in use is that it continues to change frequencies while receiving and broadcasting, which makes it impossible for the enemy to hone on to a particular frequency and jam it. BEL officials said that it had 2320 channels and could hop 250 frequencies in a second. The frequency hopping mode could be pre-programmed.
Controlled by a special software, it has a built-in encryption system for voice as well as data communication to ensure secrecy. It can also broadcast in "clear" and fixed frequency mode.
The radio has direct serial data and fax interfaces and is equipped with an in-built GPS receiver. There is also a provision for voice activated command for hands-free operations.
Though the radio is man-portable and designed for mobile communications, it can also be used on vehicles or from static positions. It weighs just about 4 kg. It can operate from a car or 12 volt batteries.
BEL had earlier designed a similar, ruggedised radio for tanks and armoured vehicles, which weighed around 15 kg.
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20040812/cth1.htm#8
Development of the radio was initiated at BEL's Panchkula complex about three years ago and some units are presently undergoing trials under various environmental and field conditions.
"Once this phase is over, we expect a trial order from the Army for a few hundred sets," a senior officer at BEL said. "The radio would be installed in armoured vehicles for undergoing trials under realistic battlefield conditions during exercises," he added.
The Army requires thousands of such secure communication sets and the quantum of orders for the radio, if approved for induction, is stated to be worth several hundred crore rupees. The radio is presently referred to as VHF--FH Trans-receiver and is yet to be given a common name.
What makes this set different from other radios in use is that it continues to change frequencies while receiving and broadcasting, which makes it impossible for the enemy to hone on to a particular frequency and jam it. BEL officials said that it had 2320 channels and could hop 250 frequencies in a second. The frequency hopping mode could be pre-programmed.
Controlled by a special software, it has a built-in encryption system for voice as well as data communication to ensure secrecy. It can also broadcast in "clear" and fixed frequency mode.
The radio has direct serial data and fax interfaces and is equipped with an in-built GPS receiver. There is also a provision for voice activated command for hands-free operations.
Though the radio is man-portable and designed for mobile communications, it can also be used on vehicles or from static positions. It weighs just about 4 kg. It can operate from a car or 12 volt batteries.
BEL had earlier designed a similar, ruggedised radio for tanks and armoured vehicles, which weighed around 15 kg.
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20040812/cth1.htm#8
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