Raytheon Technologies (NYSE:RTX) demonstrated technology required to connect defense networks and simplify U.S. Army command and control systems during the Army’s Project Convergence exercise.
The technology is FlexLink, an open-system radio technology designed to connect multiple air and ground platforms. Also, it was developed by the company’s Collins Aerospace business.
The U.S. Army installed FlexLink on its UH-60M helicopters and established a joint command and control network at over 200 nautical miles. Afterwards, the demonstration validated the army’s Project Convergence concept, which is the military’s contribution to the Defense Department’s Joint All-Domain Command and Control initiative.
“Providing resilient communications across networks is key for reducing decision-making time and supporting effective operations in any highly contested environment,” said Phil Jasper, president of mission systems for Collins Aerospace.
Read more: The Mugglehead technology roundup: security and defence edition
Read more: The Mugglehead technology roundup: secure communication edition
Three business chosen for Project Convergence
The Department of Defense selected three Raytheon Technologies businesses to participate in the Project Convergence 22 Technology Gateway at Yuma Proving Ground. These were Collins Aerospace, Raytheon Intelligence & Space, and Raytheon Missiles & Defense. These businesses demonstrated further capabilities including intelligence gateway tech, zero-trust cybersecurity solutions, and the upgraded Multi-Functional Lightweight Command Launch Unit.
FlexLink is the first open systems radio prototype to be integrated onto U.S. Army platforms. The demo connected four joint service and coalition networks each of which were operating at different security levels. Accordingly, these networks use a multi-level security cross domain solution to allow for integrated, connected communication across the field of operation.
FlexLink Adaptive Connectivity Solution for communication, navigation and surveillance offers the network connectivity and assured positioning, navigation and timing to connect the battlespace.
The system operates across a variety of U.S. Department of Defense communications networks. It connects advanced datalinks to legacy narrowband line-of-sight, both wide and narrowband SATCOM networking waveforms. Generally, the design uses modular, open systems architecture, and allows capabilities to be added or updated quickly and cost effectively.
Raytheon Technologies is a defense company that provides systems for commercial, military and government customers all over the world. It has four subsidiaries— Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, Raytheon Intelligence & Space and Raytheon Missiles & Defense—and delivers tech in multiple different sectors. These include avionics, cybersecurity, directed energy, electric propulsion and more.
The company has been around since 2020 after Raytheon combined with United Technologies aerospace businesses, and does business out of Arlington, Virginia.
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