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A Queensland business specialising in electronic countermeasure (ECM) equipment has developed a next-generation wideband radio frequency solution for defence communications applications.
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Brisbane's L3 Micreo has announced the RF solution features a modular optical link that converts broadband RF signals for transmission across a fibre-optic link. The link has an instantaneous frequency range of 10 MHz to 40 GHz.
Sarah Earey, L3 Micreo general manager, said, "This latest offering builds on our extensive experience as a leader in aerospace-grade RF and photonic components, and is our first industrial-grade product. The next-generation capabilities provided by our new optical link give our warfighters a combat advantage to communicate over greater distances with minimal loss in all conditions."
L3 Micreo is confident the solution will do well overseas.
"We expect this versatile solution to be very successful in international markets, supporting organisations operating antenna and radar ranges, as well as large military platforms across the land and littoral domains," Earey said.
"Every day, we work to ensure all of our customers have the solutions they need to accomplish their mission."
The new photonic solution can be used across various defence domains and platforms, including antenna remoting stations and test ranges, electronic warfare, satellite communications and radar ranges that commonly require low-loss, long-distance RF links in place of long coaxial cables.
Ashley Robinson, L3 Micreo chief technology officer, said, "There are numerous benefits to transmitting RF over fibre-optic links in military applications. Performance is enhanced with lower loss, lower interference and low risk of interception, and safety is improved as the wide bandwidth enables greater distances between personnel and equipment, and allows all signals to be carried on one link. SWaP is also enhanced thanks to the negated need for separate receivers, downconverters or digitisers, and the reduction of cabling."
In July this year, L3 Micreo secured a contract from the Australian Department of Defence for its REDWING counter-improvised explosive device force protection systems.
Under the contract, L3 Micreo will provide the lightweight, handheld GREENGUM version to equip dismounted forces, and the more powerful GREYGUM device for fitting to light vehicles.
The total contract value is $9.5 million, with 34,000 units to be delivered within a six-month period.
