Marine Corps upgrades multichannel radio system

The Marine Corps plans to upgrade to a multichannel radio system that enables soldiers to monitor two radio networks simultaneously.

Replacing older systems makes the Marines compliant with a National Security Agency mandate requiring all radios not up to cryptographic modernization standards be replaced by 2024.

The Marines have been using the AN/PRC-117G since 2011. The system is a portable, single-channel radio.

The multichannel AN/PRC-158 operates in a broader radio frequency spectrum and twice the amount of capability.

“The multichannel radio is about the same weight as the system that it is replacing—the AN/PRC-117G,” Capt. Shawn Avery, project officer for Multichannel Radio Family of Systems at Marine Corps Systems Command, said. “However, because it can accomplish the workload of two radios, this newer system actually decreases the equipment footprint at the unit level, making us lighter and faster.”

The purchase of a handheld multichannel radio also is planned.

“The multichannel radios integrate the capability of two legacy radio systems into a single form factor,” Avery said. “Before, we were able to operate on one radio network at [a] time, but now a Marine can operate on two radio networks simultaneously—increasing their access to information and enhancing their overall situational awareness.”

Multiple channels increase resiliency and survivability by enhancing connectivity under challenging environments and provide a level of network interoperability, Avery said.

The radio will have the ability to be mounted on any military vehicle and will be capable of interfacing with a vehicular integration kit.