General Dynamics Unveils Cutting-Edge URC-300: The Future of Ground-to-Air Communication Systems
General Dynamics Mission Systems unveils today the innovative URC-300 software-defined radio. The URC-300 serves as a multifunctional platform accommodating numerous waveforms and delivers remarkable radio frequency (RF) efficiency to facilitate ground-to-air, line-of-sight, and other mission-critical operations. It guarantees interference-free communications in densely populated environments and enhances resistance to external disruptions such as other airfield frequencies, Wi-Fi signals, and commercial FM transmission towers.
Users can manage several URC-300 units as close as 6.5 feet apart without any interference—an unprecedented feature compared to existing tactical man-pack radios that necessitate a minimum separation of 50 to as much as 115 feet. This capability for close-range operation promotes swift grab-and-go, multi-channel functionalities during urgent scenarios.
General Dynamics plans to deliver URC-300 transceiver backpack units in February to the U.S. Air Force’s Radar, Airfield, and Weather Systems division at Kadena Air Base in Japan, enhancing ground-to-air communications at their alternate air traffic control tower and contingency field operations. The URC-300 is meticulously engineered to allow future enhancements and capabilities to be integrated seamlessly via streamlined software updates.
“Traditional software-defined radio platforms usually necessitate additional hardware modifications when new software is implemented, compelling customers to send the radios back to the manufacturer,” remarked Bill Ross, Vice President of General Dynamics Mission Systems. “We have essentially redefined the concept of ‘software-defined’ by creating the URC-300 with a flexible core architecture akin to a commercial smartphone. This method simplifies the integration of new waveform and feature technologies, permitting field upgrades without taking the device out of service. This effectively makes the radio ‘future-proof’ and significantly elevates the value proposition for our clientele, yielding impactful time and lifecycle cost efficiencies.”
| In addition to offering resilient RF functionalities, the URC-300 accommodates a variety of applications including emergency grab-and-go, manpack, vehicular, scalable deployment, and rack mount solutions. The radio is ruggedized and complies with MIL-STD-810 standards, ensuring protection against shock, vibration, altitude, humidity, and temperature variations. It maintains interoperability with its predecessor, the URC-200™ (V2) radio, along with many of its accessories. Since the URC-300 is more compact and lighter than the URC-200 (V2), two URC-300s can fit side-by-side in a single 19” rackmount tray. The radio’s freshly redesigned front panel boasts a functional display and an intuitive keypad interface that’s glove-friendly. A Web Maintenance Application enables users to connect to the radio’s interface and oversee the front panel operations using popular browsers like Chrome or Edge. The URC-300 runs on standard lithium-ion batteries and can operate longer on a single battery compared to most radios that require two. It features a revamped power supply that allows users to operate directly on DC power with built-in power conditioning for environments with unstable power.
General Dynamics recognizes that the spectrum approval procedure can be highly intricate and time-consuming, particularly outside the U.S. Consequently, General Dynamics will secure all necessary certifications in advance to eliminate purchase, approval, and spectrum obstacles, thereby facilitating deployment without delays. The URC-300 adheres to international standards and certifications, including Radio Equipment Directive (RED), REACH, RoHS, and ETSI EN 300 676 compliance, while readily supporting global 8.33 kHz deployment. The radio also holds certification from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for civilian applications and is endorsed to function within the U.S. DoD Spectrum. |
