Rockwell Collins delivers next-generation defense radio

CEDAR RAPIDS - Rockwell Collins marked the delivery of its next-generation airborne military radio on Wednesday, completing some five years of development.

The first ARC-210 RT-1939 was delivered to the Naval Air Systems Command in a tent ceremony at the Rockwell Collins campus off Blairs Ferry Road before more than 200 employees.

Informally known as Gen5, the new radio offers software-defined networking capabilities and meets new cryptographic modernization objectives set by the National Security Agency. It provides a replacement for the existing ARC-210, which is installed on more than 180 military platforms worldwide.

Nick Mirales, deputy program manager for networking of the Naval Air Systems Command, was there to ceremonially receive the radio and thank Rockwell Collins' Gen5 team.

Mirales described the challenges of the program, saying it had been five years and a lot of work that took longer than originally expected, in part due to some new NSA (National Security Agency) requirements.

“We're stuffing 100 pounds of capability in a 12-pound box,” Mirales said. “Making that producible is a challenge - I know that - making that all fit in there and make it work in tough environments we have to work in.”

Mirales thanked the Rockwell Collins team, saying the challenge they met will benefit the nation's war fighters.

According to Bruce King, Rockwell Collins vice president and general manager of Communication Products, the Gen5 is the first airborne radio to provide all armed services with the ability to meet the NSA's cryptographic modernization initiative.

King said the Gen5 retains the form, fit and functionality of prior models, while enabling crucial networking waveforms to connect ground and air forces.