Rohde & Schwarz has delivered its 1000th AN/ARC-238 software-defined radio (SDR) to Lockheed Martin for integration on F-16 aircraft. The AN/ARC-238 consists of two airborne radios from the SOVERON radio family, namely the R&S MR6000R/L radios, and meets perfectly the secure communication requirements while being fully qualified on the F-16. AN/ARC-238 is the U.S. government designation for the independent company’s R&S MR6000R/L radios. The AN/ARC-238 consists of two transceivers, one installed in the avionic bay, remotely controlled, and once installed in the cockpit controllable by a local control panel. It is capable to cover the frequency range from 30 MHz to 400 MHz and support the NATO frequency hopping algorithms (TRANSEC) HAVE QUICK II and SATURN. The proprietary Rohde & Schwarz waveform R&S SECOS combines TRANSEC and COMSEC functionality in a single waveform and protects voice and data communications against eavesdropping.
“We congratulate Rohde & Schwarz on this milestone delivery of the 1000th software-defined radio (SDR) for the F-16; a strong demonstration of their longstanding partnership with Lockheed Martin and the F-16. The F-16 is a critical piece of the 21st-century security network, offering advanced interoperable capabilities. With more than 3,000 F-16s operating in 25 countries, we are focused on helping our customers seamlessly and securely connect all assets in the joint battlespace,” said Raymond Piselli, Vice President, International Business at Lockheed Martin.
“To reach this milestone is a great privilege and showcases our team’s ability to continuously produce and distribute high-quality software-defined airborne radios in support of the F-16,” says Stefan Player, Vice President of Market Segment Avionics, Rohde & Schwarz. “I am confident that our SOVERON radios make the F-16 even more efficient. We are proud to work with Lockheed Martin, delivering the 1000th SDR.”
For many years, Rohde & Schwarz is the preferred supplier of airborne radio communications for the F-16 Program including the new production of F-16 Block 70 aircraft for international customers. The F-16 Block 70 is the newest and most advanced F-16 configuration. Lockheed Martin selected Rohde & Schwarz as the preferred supplier of airborne radio communications for new production F-16 Block 70 aircraft. The Rohde & Schwarz technology group is among the trailblazers when it comes to paving the way for a safer and connected world with its leading solutions in test & measurement, technology systems, and networks & cybersecurity. Founded more than 85 years ago, the group is a reliable partner for industry and government customers around the globe. On June 30, 2021, Rohde & Schwarz had around 13,000 employees worldwide. The independent group achieved a net revenue of EUR 2.28 billion in the 2020/2021 fiscal year (July to June). The company is headquartered in Munich, Germany.
