The AN/ARC-231A RT-1987 from BAE Systems is a Tactical Communication System that operates from 30 to 512 MHz (also extendable to 2 GHz), covering the VHF/UHF bands. It is a multi-mission radio designed for operation in demanding airborne environments, providing warfighters with secure mission-critical information. This SDR incorporates a software communications architecture (SCA) design, which provides a design reserve capacity for software-only deployment of future, end-user-focused programmability. It supports multiple modes, including QUICK, SATURN, UHF SATCOM, and DAMA, as well as modulation schemes such as FSK/BPSK/QPSK/SOQPSK. This radio delivers a Tx output power of up to 125 W and an Rx sensitivity of less than -105 dBm (AM). It has a channel spacing of 5/6.25/8.33/12/5/25 kHz.
The AN/ARC-231A RT-1987 also supports other receiver-based signal processing features such as FM immunity filtering in the ATC mode receiver section, narrowband/normal/wideband response options, and a guard receiver scanning, boosting signal reception further. This radio includes security schemes - air rekey (OTAR), KY-57M, KY-100M, and AN/PYQ-10 to ensure the security of the system. It enables flexible integration and remote control via Ethernet, MIL-STD-1553, USB, and RS-422 interfaces. This SDR consumes 200 W of power. It is available in a rugged enclosure measuring 5.38 x 5.88 x 9.93 inches.
