Harris Corporation, an international communications and information technology company, has received an initial order to provide the U.S. Army with Harris Side Falcon (SRW-SF) Soldier Radio Waveform appliqué systems.

The order, via the GSA, FAS Assisted Acquisition Services, is in support of the Army's Network Integration Evaluations (NIE) at White Sands Missile Range.

The Harris Side Falcon integrates the Falcon III® AN/PRC-152A handheld radio with a small-form factor wideband power amplifier for increased range and reliability. Side Falcon systems will be installed in vehicles to address Army requirements for a vehicular single-channel radio that operates the JTRS Soldier Radio Waveform. The appliqués will be deployed to move voice and data seamlessly between dismounted soldiers, their command centers and higher headquarters.

The Harris Side Falcon supports SRW as well as the Harris Adaptive Networking Wideband Waveform (ANW2). In addition, Side Falcon also operates SINCGARS, VHF/UHF Line-of-Sight, HaveQuick, IW for tactical satellite communications and other combat net radio waveforms, making it fully interoperable with existing DoD radios — providing the Army with maximum flexibility in combat.

The Army has indicated it intends to acquire as many as 5,000 SRW Appliqué systems through a series of competitive procurements over the next several years.

“Harris developed the Side Falcon in a short time frame in direct response to Army needs. It is an illustration of the power of a competitive development and acquisition model in tactical radios, and how Harris listens to and responds to its customer,” said George Helm, President, Department of Defense Business Unit, Harris RF Communications.

“Our SRW appliqué system leverages combat-proven Harris wideband networking capabilities to provide increased connectivity, allowing personnel across the Brigade Combat Team to benefit from improved situational awareness and other mission-critical tactical information,” he added.