RF-Over-Fiber Communications System Extends Range Of SINCGARS Radios

Columbia, MD -- Syntonics LLC, based in Columbia, Md., announces the successful testing of its FORAX RF-over-fiber Communications System to extend the voice communications range of vehicle-mounted radios. Tests, conducted by the U.S. Army at Yuma Proving Grounds, used a ground radio and an optical fiber link to the radio's antenna mounted on an aerostat high above the Arizona desert. Transmitting voice and data up the 5000 foot link, made possible by FORAX, the ground radio communicated with distant vehicle-mounted and handheld SINCGARS radios. Clear two-way communications were maintained at distances in excess of 65 kilometers.

FORAX is in use today in the Defense Department, the United States Air Force, and the Joint arena. Until the Yuma tests demonstrated its range extension advantage, the primary use of FORAX was to move antennas away from command posts thus decreasing the electronic signature and increasing the security of the people and equipment. This new dimension is expected to add another valuable communications tool for the warfighter. Syntonics recently added HF and GPS capability to its already-fielded SINCGARS, VHF/UHF, and UHF TACSAT FORAX modules.

All FORAX links are engineered to operate over single-mode optical fibers up to 10 km long. Optionally, much longer distances are available by special order. In addition, optional link multiplexing is available to reduce the number of optical fibers used to transport multiple radio signals. FORAX-RM links are "plug-in" hot-swap modules compatible with all FORAX-RM rack-mount chasses.

Syntonics is a defense electronics company that produces FORAX RF-over-fiber communication systems for military radios and innovative antennas for military applications.

SOURCE: Syntonics LLC