Codan unit upgrades radios for contested environments

DTC has launched multiple updates to its MeshUltra Spectrum Overmatch capabilities, designed to give soldiers an information advantage in emerging battlefield electronic warfare environments. The update adds two beamforming capabilities to DTC’s high-performance MeshUltra waveforms, which create self-forming, self-healing networks that adapt as radios move and network conditions change. Available on compatible multi-antenna radios, including the Sentry Mesh 6161 and BluSDR family, the updates give the radios new ways to improve connections. For a dismounted soldier, dependable communications mean staying connected to the wider force: other soldiers, vehicles, sensors and increasingly, unmanned systems. DTC’s MeshUltra beamforming uses independently controlled antenna paths within its MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) architecture to direct radio energy towards connected receivers. This allows the radio to shape its transmission in ways a radio with a single antenna and transmit path cannot. The Adaptive Beamforming capability uses reports from connected radios to select a transmission pattern suited to the conditions. A second mode, Quasi-Beamforming, provides another performance option without requiring those reports. The release supports Codan’s development of its proposed Australian tactical edge radio solution for LAND 4140 Work Package 16. That proposal centres on the Australian-designed and manufactured Sentry Mesh 6161, with Kägwerks DOCK integration for specialist soldier roles. “Our advanced communications technologies have been proven in some of the harshest conditions on earth,” said Alf Ianniello, Codan CEO and Managing Director. “It’s our unyielding focus on our customers and continuous product development and innovation that differentiates Codan in the markets we operate in, and this update is another step in improving our capability. For LAND 4140, we’re putting forward an Australian-made radio that Defence can continue to adapt over its service life.” The Sentry Mesh 6161 is designed to support a variety of waveforms, including the mandated TrellisWare waveforms, giving Defence options as its missions and interoperability needs evolve. Its future-ready 2×2 MIMO architecture provides a flexible platform for man-machine teaming and enables continued software development and additional capabilities over its service life. Codan launches sovereign tactical edge radio solution for LAND 4140 Codan has unveiled its proposed solution for the Australian Defence Force’s LAND 4140 Work Package 16 Tactical Edge Radio program, built around a radio already in service with the Australian Army. Designed and manufactured in Australia, the Sentry 6161 radio would provide a common communications platform for the ADF and specialist soldier roles, through integration with the Kägwerks DOCK ecosystem. Codan’s proposal combines proven capability with Australian production, while giving Defence options to adapt it as requirements change. “LAND 4140 is an opportunity to support sovereign communications capability and strengthen Australia’s advanced manufacturing base,” Codan Managing Director & CEO, Alf Ianniello, said. “Codan’s solution is built around the Sentry 6161, which is already in service with the Australian Army, and supported by an Australian supply chain to deliver the capability.” A key part of the proposal is the ability to use different waveforms for different missions. It includes TSM, Katana narrowband and Codan’s MeshUltra waveform, with a pathway to add technology from other providers over time. This would give Defence greater flexibility over future upgrades and reduce reliance on a single waveform supplier. The advanced technology is also designed to support growing demand for voice, data, connected sensors and cooperation between soldiers and unmanned systems, including in contested environments. Codan’s Mawson Lakes facility in South Australia is an established production base for the Sentry 6161. If selected, production for Army would strengthen the Australian manufacturing and engineering capability behind the radio’s export program. Matthew Jones, Vice President of DTC which is part of the Codan group, said: “LAND 4140 can strengthen the Australian capability behind the radio as well as equip the soldier carrying it. Greater production for Army would support our ability to develop, manufacture and export the Sentry 6161 from Australia.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]