BAE Demos FireNet System’s Additional Rotor-Wing Aircraft Capabilities

BAE Systems has completed a capability demonstration of its FireNet communication transceiver.

The demonstration showcased FireNet’s additional channel capabilities for rotor-wing aircraft. The system can now provide servicemen with a unified tactical network and enable joint all-domain operations.

The FireNet system is a low-power, low-cost communications solution designed to meet the U.S. Army Aviation Branch’s needs. It is a modular open system architecture solution that enables additional line-of-sight voice, data and network communications from the very high frequency to S-band spectrum. It also features additional narrow-band, wide-band and Link-16 communications capabilities to give rotor-wing aircraft a network that is ready to accept a new cryptographic subsystem in 2022. The system is designed to have a small footprint to make vehicle integration easier, BAE said Tuesday.

Alan Dewar, director of integrated communication solutions at BAE, said that the FireNet system will be able to support military operations that are expected to occur in network-centric environments. The system will be able to deliver accurate and reliable information in real-time and provide soldiers with enhanced situational awareness and connectivity, the director said.

The company will continue to work on FireNet at its site in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

BAE offers communications systems for air, ground and marine applications. Its systems feature multi-band, secure anti-jam voice, data imagery transmission and network-capable communications.