Army orders more than 6,000 JTRS HMS radios from General Dynamics

Posted by John McHale
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., 9 July 2011. Officials at the U.S. Army ordered the JTRS HMS (Joint Tactical Radio System Handheld, Manpack, Small Form Fit) Rifleman radio (AN/PRC-154) and Manpack (AN/PRC-155) radio from General Dynamics C4 Systems.
JTRS HMS Rifleman radios enable warfighters to have mobile video, voice, and data communications similar to that offered by commercial cellular systems but with the added security of a military system.
Under the order, Thales Communications and General Dynamics will produce the Rifleman radios while Rockwell Collins and General Dynamics and will produce the Manpack radios.
The Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) order will cover the production of 6,250 Rifleman and 100 Manpack radios. It also includes expenses for non-recurring startup costs, related equipment, training, accessories, and supplies.
Under the LRIP order, Thales Communications and General Dynamics will produce the Rifleman radios while Rockwell Collins and General Dynamics and will produce the Manpack radios.
The initial 100 Manpack radios will be used for further operational testing to support full-rate production.
General Dynamics C4 Systems is prime contractor for the JTRS HMS program. The JTRS HMS team includes BAE Systems,Rockwell Collins, and Thales Communications.
For more information on the JTRS HMS program, visit www.gdc4s.com/JTRSHMS.