The Joint Radio Systems (Streitkräftegemeinsame Verbundfähige Funkgeräte-Ausstattung – SVFuA) project aims to improve the Bundeswehr’s mobile and jam-resistant voice and data communications in future, particularly for joint and combined foreign missions, thereby helping to better protect soldiers. The SVFuA project is being developed on behalf of the Bundeswehr by the companies Airbus Defence and Space, Hagenuk Marinekommunikation, Rohde & Schwarz, Thales Electronic Systems, Telefunken Racoms and Rohde & Schwarz SIT as independent contractors.
The broadband T/R module from Airbus Defence and Space is one of the most sophisticated elements of the new radio system on account of its large frequency bandwidth. Thanks to the use of new ultra-high-frequency engineering technologies for transmit output stages in conjunction with gallium nitride transistors, the radio’s broad bandwidth allows large volumes of data to be transmitted while providing the best possible protection against jamming attempts. Especially challenging was the integration of electronic components into the most compact form possible so that the radio devices could be easily installed in vehicles.
Airbus Defence and Space already delivers similar high-frequency components for the Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) program, for which it has specialised development and production facilities as well as many years of experience in producing components of this kind.
Airbus Defence and Space is a division of Airbus Group formed by combining the business activities of Cassidian, Astrium and Airbus Military. The new division is Europe’s number one defence and space enterprise, the second largest space business worldwide and among the top ten global defence enterprises. It employs some 40,000 employees generating revenues of approximately €14 billion per year.
