The US joint tactical radio system (JTRS) and UK Bowman systems are based on different standards and previously were not interoperable. Under a contract with the JTRS Network Enterprise Domain (NED) office, Harris developed a suite of cryptographic applications for its Sierra II programmable encryption engine to provide secure communications interoperability with legacy, hardware-based encryption solutions. A demonstration of one such application – the ability to interoperate with the UK legacy Bowman radios – was sponsored by the JTRS NED and performed in conjunction with ITT Corporation. The demonstration underscores Harris Corporation’s continued leadership in providing innovative embedded encryption solutions for markets with demanding security requirements.
Richard Rzepkowski, vice president of communications security products at Harris RF Communications, said: This successful test is the culmination of 17 months of hard work with our partners at ITT Corporation and both US and UK military officials. We believe this application will enable US and UK commanders to securely coordinate on the battlefield. The technology could make interoperable communications among multi-national forces across a range of security clearances more feasible.
