Military communication systems specialist and JSE-listed company Reunert subsidiary Reutech Communications’ TR3000 transceiver unlocks the full potential of high-frequency (HF) network communication, which enables the military to evade the difficulties previously associated with high-frequency communication.

Reutech Communications provides communications design, manufacturing and systems engineering expertise, and identified the need for a product in the market that would make high-frequency communication easier.

The convergence of some traditional commercial technologies made the development of such a product more feasible.

The availability of high-performance digital processing elements from the commercial space as opposed to those from traditional military suppliers was one of the key technology building blocks that allowed for the TR3000’s rapid development at a target price point, adds Reutech Communications marketing and sales executive Alvin Ramouthar.

The TR3000 is the first in a range of products that forms an HF communications network. Once the network is established, users will also enjoy secure communications using an application on their cellphone over the network.

The TR3000 is a wideband HF transceiver – operating from 1.6 MHz to 30 MHz – and is based on “leading-edge” direct radio frequency sampling technology. It employs the latest wideband digital waveforms to unlock high-frequency’s potential data communications.

The transceiver is used for beyond line of sight – 1 000 km and further – communications, with secure voice and data modes typically used for naval command and control. The digital radio processing technology allows for improved performance in a smaller form factor than that of competing radios, says Ramouthar.

The custom network architecture connects multiple geographically dispersed TR3000 radios at fixed sites, which allows for robust blanket coverage of operational areas. The network selects the optimal frequency to reach a user and automatically selects the optimal fixed-site transceiver.

“A typical use case of the above system is by modern navies, who can benefit from robust ship-to-shore and shore-to-ship communications for digital command and control or strategic communications,” says Ramouthar.

Through its strategic partnership with the South African National Defence Force, Reutech Communications understands the evolving needs of the military and continually works towards providing tactical communication systems that unify efficiency, practicality and powerful capabilities.

The company’s tactical communications systems comprise radio transceivers covering different form factors and frequency bands, as well as ancillary devices, and operational software to leverage data communications, planning and management software elements, adds Ramouthar.

Defending the Fort
Ramouthar explains that the local defence industry employs a large supplier and subcontractor base. Therefore, sustaining the defence sector is critical in maintaining key skills and strategic capability. With the exception of electronic components, all mechanics and printed circuit board assemblies are sourced within the borders of South Africa.

However, the Covid-19 pandemic, coupled with the mid-2021 political unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, has created uncertainty in the local trading environment. Limited international travel and social distancing, among other impacts, have limited businesses such as Reutech Communication from interacting directly with their client base.

A decline in defence spend in the local environment has resulted in a greater emphasis being placed on export initiatives.

In response to this trend, Reutech Communications has increased its focus on exports of tactical communication equipment to numerous arms and services globally, despite a decline in exports.

Reutech Communications has continued to prioritise customer needs and build on past successes through focusing on current projects.

Ramouthar concludes by stressing the importance of “reinvigorating the defence sector” to boost the local defence industry and local economy.