The FALCON III RF-7850A-MR from L3Harris Technologies is a Multi-Channel Networking Radio that operates from 30 to 512 MHz (narrowband) and 225 to 512 MHz (wideband). It is designed to extend advanced ground tactical capabilities to the aerial tier (with fixed and rotary-winged type) providing simultaneous mission-critical voice and high-speed IP-networked data with full motion video (FMV). This airborne radio includes 2 wideband channels in the same SWaP size as a traditional single-channel narrowband radio. This radio utilizes L3Harris’ combat-proven Falcon III technology and offers interoperability with legacy narrowband radios, L3Harris’ wideband Falcon radios, and waveforms.
This optimized SWaP radio connects to an interoperable airborne relay node, thereby allowing it to further improve and expand battlefield networks through tactical VHF/UHF networks. It supports a variety of modes and waveforms such as FSK/ASK MELP/CVSD voice, Quicklook 1A, 2, 3, and Quicklook-Wide, TDMA, M-TNW, ARROW, and SATURN for greater flexibility. This airborne radio uses either an internal GPS or an external GPS input for synchronization and includes AES-128/256 along with L3Harris’ proprietary Citadel security algorithms to protect the links.
On the Tx side, this radio delivers an output power of up to 10 W while on the Rx side, it has a sensitivity of -103.5 dBm (AM mode) and provides an IF rejection of 80 dB. This airborne radio requires a DC supply of 28 V and can be configured through USB 2.0, Ethernet (web API), and ASCII interfaces. It is available in a benchtop enclosure that measures 6.20 x 5.95 x 10.14 inches and has TNC (female) connectors.
