Raytheon's Mobile Ad hoc Interoperability Network GATEway (MAINGATE) radio system has successfully provided tactical networking capabilities at two major US Army exercises, giving soldiers reliable battlefield information.
At one, MAINGATE provided the backbone for wideband networking, providing multiple channels of real-time video, situational awareness, chat and other applications.
Soldiers at the squad level reliably received multiple unmanned aerial vehicle video feeds and other high-bandwidth data services from the battalion to the tactical edge.
The major focus of JP 2072's Phase 2B is the planned battlefield telecommunications network (BTN) with its various terrestrial and space bearers, range extension systems (aerial and terrestrial), as well as local area system (LAS) and Satcom C2 on the move (SOTM) systems.
As part of its WIN-T – based bid for this phase Raytheon Australia with General Dynamics C4 Systems will be offering its MAINGATE system.
Other contenders are BAE Systems and Thales, possibly drawing on the UK FALCON system, in the development of which both companies were involved.
And with BAE Systems' considerable expertise in the Parakeet tactical trunking systems is a COTS modification to the ADF’s existing BTN on the cards?
It is believed that Lockheed Martin and Elbit Systems have also teamed for Phase 2B.
With the provision of its Battle Management System for Land 200, Elbit Systems has already secured a major component of the ADF’s tactical ISR requirements.
In regard to Phase 2B, Elbit can probably boast the largest inventory of communications hardware, much of it relevant to the various phases of JP 2072.
Lockheed Martin's role may be to provide support through its extensive network management and transmission capabilities and management capabilities.