Harris Corporation has received National Security Agency (NSA) Type-1 certification for its AN/PRC-163 multi-channel handheld networking radio – bringing groundbreaking capabilities to the warfighter, with the ability for future expansion.

The Harris AN/PRC-163 combines communications and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to address the users’ unique mission needs in a small, portable form factor. This certification allows the radio to transmit secure voice and data communications up to Top Secret level on both channels for VHF/UHF line of sight, SATCOM and Mobile Ad-Hoc Networking applications.

As a software-defined radio, it can be easily upgraded in the field and includes a mission module expansion slot that allows for changes based on evolving mission needs. It also has coalition and built-in backward interoperability to communicate over legacy SATCOM, VHF/UHF line-of-sight, and Mobile Ad-Hoc Networking applications. It can operate in the harshest environments and meets rigorous requirements for small, lightweight, multiband, multifunction and multi-mission tactical radios.

“This important NSA Type-1 certification is a key milestone in delivering revolutionary capability in a handheld radio to our warfighters,” said Dana Mehnert, President, Harris Communication Systems.

“The ability to securely transmit information using VHF/UHF line-of-sight, SATCOM, and Mobile Ad-Hoc Networking, as well as future applications in increasingly challenging communications environments, is critical to the warfighter. This radio delivers that capability now while providing room for future growth,” he added.

Harris Corporation is a leading technology innovator, solving customers’ toughest mission-critical challenges by providing solutions that connect, inform and protect. Harris supports government and commercial customers in more than 100 countries and has approximately $6 billion in annual revenue.

The company is organized into three business segments: Communication Systems, Electronic Systems and Space and Intelligence Systems.