AN/ARC-210

The AN/ARC-210 is a family of radios for military aircraft that provides two-way, multi-mode voice and data communications over a 30 to 512+ MHz frequency range. It covers both Ultra High Frequency (UHF) and Very High Frequency (VHF) bands with AM, FM and SATCOM capabilities.^[1] The ARC-210 radio also includes embedded anti-jam waveforms, including Havequick and SINCGARS, and other data link and secure communications features, providing total battlefield interoperability and high-performance capabilities in the transfer of data, voice and imagery. It features a separate guard receiver for monitoring 121.5 and 243 MHz while simultaneously monitoring the active channel selected. Transmitter power ranges from 5 to 23 watts, depending on frequency and mode. The radios communicates with other avionics over a MIL-STD-1553 data bus.

The ARC-210s are manufactured by Rockwell Collins and are installed in a wide range of aircraft, helicopters and ships across all five U.S. military services. The ARC-210 program began in 1990 as an improved version of the AN/ARC-182, adding jam-reisistant SINCGARS capability to communicate with Army radios for close air support.^[2] The Arc-210 is installed on more than 180 platforms and is operating in more than 40 countries. As of 2010, 30,000 have been produced^[3] and by October 2016, 40,000 delivered.^[4] The radios have generated over $2 billion in sales for the company.^[5]

In accordance with the Joint Electronics Type Designation System (JETDS), the "AN/ARC-210" designation represents the 210th design of an Army-Navy airborne electronic device for radio communications equipment. The JETDS system also now is used to name all Department of Defense electronic systems.

There are six generations of the radios.^[6] Models include the RT-1556, RT-1794, RT-1824, RT-1851, RT-1851A, and RT-1939, RT-1939A, RT-1990, RT-1990A and the RT-2036. The earliest model covered 30-400 MHz. The fifth generation RT-1939 is one of the first military radios to have software-programmable encryption under the National Security Agency’s (NSA) Cryptographic Modernization Initiative.^[7] Its frequency range is extended and includes the following bands:

VHF 30-88 MHz close air support
VHF 108-118 MHz navigation
VHF 118-137 MHz air traffic control
VHF 137-156 MHz land mobile
VHF 156-174 MHz maritime
UHF 225-512 MHz military/homeland defense
UHF 806-824, 851-869, 869-902, 935-941 MHz public safety bands

Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System (CTCSS), used by many public safety agencies, is available above 400 MHz and below 88 MHz.^[6]

The transceiver weighs about 12.2 lb (5.53 kg). Available accessories include remote controls, transmit power amplifiers, receive low-noise amplifiers, and ground support equipment.

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AN/ARC-210

See also

References

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