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Digital
tests to start
Location and data added to capability
NEW
digital radio technology will be tested at Puckapunyal in November
and December this year to replace current analogue equipment.
Testing of the new radio, known as the Enhanced Position Location
and Reporting System (EPLRS), is the second phase of Joint Project
2072 (JP2072) Battlespace Communications Systems, and is part of
the hardening and networking of the Army.
JP2072 Project Manager Maj Travis Faure said EPLRS is a Tactical
Internet and position location radio, like an enhanced GPS, which
will communicate with satellite, computer and command networks.
“A section in the field needs a resupply, they enter the information
on the EPLRS radio and as soon as the send button is pressed, the
information is delivered in near real-time,” he said.
“Instead of having to wait for a certain time period, the information
is immediately delivered, therefore cutting waiting periods altogether.
“This is possible because of the digital aspect of the equipment
relaying the information to the destination, or weaving through
the digital net to its destination, like an e-mail.
“EPLRS is both voice and data, much the same as the Internet.
A voice message is converted into a packet and sent to its destination
the same as an MPEG or music file on the Internet.
“EPLRS acts as the digital backbone of the Tactical Internet
and has automated relay capabilities that are transparent to the
user.”
The benefit of this system is its ability to use voice and data,
enhancing the current systems and processing information from other
technical projects and communication aspects of the ADF. EPLRS is
used in the US and will enable the ADF to better link with US forces
on joint exercises and operations.
The trials will involve training 20 soldiers on the use of the system,
including reserves, armoured and infantry personnel. They will be
trained over a three-week period and then participate in 15 scenarios,
testing simple operational concepts and technical aspects.
Head of Corps RASigs Brig Michael Clifford said JP2072 would greatly
contribute to the ADF’s Network Centric Warfare capabilities.
“This project is critical to the development of tactical communications
in the Land Battlespace and forms the fundamental basis for the
development of the land based network.”
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