Harris Corp., an international communications and information technology company, has received a $73 M order from the US Marine Corps for Falcon III® AN/PRC-117G multiband manpack radios, accessory kits, remote controls and satellite communication antennas.

The Marines will deploy the AN/PRC-117G to provide high-speed networked communications that improve information gathering and dissemination at the tactical edge – where the battle is fought. The radio system extends tactical IP (Internet Protocol) connectivity and delivers critical combat applications to dismounted Marines, greatly improving situational awareness.

"The AN/PRC-117G will transform the way the US Marines Corps fights by providing wireless, networked high-bandwidth communications, enabling applications such as streaming video and biometrics. In addition, these multiband radios provide reliable long-haul tactical satellite and SINCGARS voice communications," said Steve Marschilok, President, Department of Defense business, Harris RF Communications. "The 117G represents the future of tactical communications for the Department of Defense, and Harris is delivering that capability today."

Half the size of legacy radios, the field-proven AN/PRC-117G manpack lightens a soldier's heavy load. The radio supports requirements such as streaming video, imagery, biometrics, logistics and other data-intensive applications. It also offers an extended frequency range of 30 MHz to 2 GHz.

The AN/PRC-117G is the first NSA Type-1 certified wideband manpack radio system. With its fully integrated and NSA-certified High Assurance Internet Protocol Equipment (HAIPE) networking encryption, the AN/PRC-117G provides the highest level of information assurance connectivity to tactical units. This capability enables direct classified calls and data exchanges between levels of command on the battlefield.

Operating on the JTRS Software Communications Architecture, the AN/PRC-117G manpack adheres to the DoD's open-standards approach to radio technology, allowing easy integration of pre-planned upgrades.