The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has transferred high-quality imagery and colour video via wideband high frequency radio as part of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) technology transformation effort known as Plan Jericho.
The trial of the technology at HMAS Harman is a major technical advance over the existing high frequency radio infrastructure, Defence stated.
During the tests a standard internet protocol data link was established between an Australian Army node operating at HMAS Harman, the Chief Information Officer Group’s strategic high frequency network at RAAF Base Townsville and RAAF Base Wagga, and an AP-3C Orion at RAAF Base Edinburgh.
The testing of the communications system is a joint initiative undertaken in collaboration with industry partner Rockwell Collins.
Voice communications, messages, photographs and videos can be transferred via the wideband high frequency radio system, which does not rely on satellites. The technology can provide data rates up to 10 times faster than with current fielded systems.