High Frequency Radio Systems

The High Frequency Radio Systems is a part of the Airborne High Frequency Radio Modernization (AHFRM) Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA) program. The specific goal of this budget line item is to replace existing legacy AN/ARC-190 High Frequency (HF) radios with a modernized HF radio, the AN/ARC-260, providing digital, software-defined HF capability for 1,300 aircraft across 14 distinct Global Strike, Military Airlift (MAF), and refueling platforms within the US Air Force, US Navy, and US Coast Guard. This replacement radio is essential as the AN/ARC-190 is end-of-life and currently the only HF radio capability within these 14 aircraft platforms. The new AN/ARC-260 radio will incorporate new technologies such as 3G/4G Automatic Link Establishment and Low Probability of Intercept/Detection/Geolocation features and provide critical long-range HF communications when satellite communications are unavailable due to nature and/or man-made disruptions.

The program's objectives include completing the rapid prototyping phase, developing production representative test assets for aircraft integration, conducting operational testing, publishing test results and final reports to appropriate stakeholders in support of decision reviews and certification of asset readiness, and garnering fielding strategy approval. The funding supports prototype maturation, test asset development, developmental and operational testing (DT/OT), and production readiness activities required to transition into a Major Capability Acquisition (MCA) program. The program also aims to minimize any negative impact resulting from asset availability by completing the MTA rapid prototyping phase. Additionally, it received FY22 funding from the Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) program to continue development.