The British Army has announced the successful trial of its new Multi-Mode Radio (MMR) communication system.
The exercise was held in a jungle of Belize, considered the most challenging environment for radio communications.
Communication systems rarely work smoothly in the jungle because dense, moist vegetation absorbs radio waves and limits line-of-sight transmission.
Military radios are also difficult to operate and maintain in hot and humid conditions.
“We have used some of the newest and most advanced technology that the Army has, while surviving in the jungle, to really push the boundaries of expeditionary communications,” Major Liam Crane said.
The MMR will replace Bowman as the British Army’s official tactical communication and information system.
‘Two Radios in One’
Developed by L3Harris, the MMR is a dual-channel radio that enables simultaneous voice and data communications using alternative networks.
It is described as “two radios in one” because it provides line-of-sight communication between units on the ground while simultaneously communicating anywhere in the world via satellite.
“The mesh networking capabilities mean that we can run applications so troops out in the Belizean jungle and back at our headquarters in Colchester are working off the same information at the same time,” Crane explained.
UK Information systems engineer Tom Gale also explained that the MMR can transmit significantly more data than its predecessor.
In November last year, the British Army awarded a contract of 90 million pounds ($109 million) for more than 1,300 MMRs to be delivered to the army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force.