The US Army has contracted Thales Defense & Security for up to 5,000 Low Cost Data Architecture Radio Adaptable Transport (LOCODA RAT) systems, supporting the military’s effort to revamp tactical communications across its vehicle fleet.
LOCODA RAT upgrades connectivity while fitting into existing mission modules and vehicle radio mounts, eliminating the need for major hardware modifications.
Built using commercial off-the-shelf and non-developmental technologies, the system aims to reduce integration challenges, lower lifecycle costs, and support rapid production scaling.
The platform uses a standardized interface with TrellisWare’s TSM mobile ad hoc network waveform and AES-256 encryption algorithm that supports single-channel, multi-channel, and multi-transport operations.
Its modular design also allows users to install additional radios, amplifiers, and other mission systems to extend network range and increase connectivity options.
Providing ‘Immediate Access’
According to Thales, the order supports the US Army’s broader push to field adaptable communications systems “capable of supporting distributed operations in increasingly contested environments.”
The company said it developed LOCODA RAT from concept to mission-ready status in less than four months.
“The Army doesn’t have time to wait for capability, and with the Thales LOCODA RAT solution, they didn’t have to,” said Gary Kidwell, vice president of communications systems at Thales Defense & Security.
“This is about giving warfighters immediate access to secure, flexible voice and data connectivity that can adapt as quickly as the missions and the threat.”
