WTACS WidebAnd CommuniCATionS - Harris RF Communications ...

WTACS Wideband communications
A Communications System for Wideband Tactical Area Coverage

The RF-7800W High Capacity Line-of-Sight (HCLOS)
microwave radio is equipped with advanced
security and adaptive waveform capabilities,
and its inherent portability makes it suitable
for mobile and tactical deployments

Packaged Systems
Harris Corporation provides a simpler approach
to C4ISR systems procurement
Today’s battlefield is highly mobile, and the proliferation
of intelligence, surveillance, and situational awareness
systems requires the radio network to move large amounts
of data. Increased mobility and the need to transmit this data
are challenging requirements for a robust Command, Control,
Communications, and Computers (C4) system. The Wideband
Tactical Area Communications System (WTACS) is Harris’s answer
to that challenge.
Procuring a complex C4 system is usually no easy matter. Too
often customers spend substantial time and resources, only to
find themselves behind schedule and over budget, with a system
that does not meet their requirements. Harris Corporation’s new,
simplified approach to C4ISR* systems procurement uses preengineered
system configurations that provide fast, cost-effective
solutions to today’s most critical operational needs, such as
wideband area networking.
Instead of designing a unique system for every customer, Harris
has developed a comprehensive family of preconfigured systems.
Each system is fully integrated and includes everything from
equipment, cables, and software to manuals, training, and
installation. Every system has undergone extensive testing and
can be relied upon to meet its objectives.
This executive summary describes the capabilities and benefits of
the Harris WTACS system and the advantages of our packaged
C4ISR system solutions:
l Low Risk – Field proven and comprehensively tested systems
l Fast Delivery – Complete systems can be delivered in a matter
of months to meet urgent operational needs by eliminating
long system definition and development phases
l Cost-Effectiveness – Customers’ development costs are
minimized
l Simplified Procurement – Systems can be purchased as offthe-shelf
items
l Phased Implementation – Packaged systems form building
blocks that enable the acquisition of capability in a spiral
fashion, protecting current investment and supporting future
goals
l Flexibility – Packaged systems are readily customized and
integrated with in-country partners
All this from Harris, a company with over 50 years of largescale
international communications systems experience, the most
comprehensive range of tactical communications products, and
world-class systems engineering and integration capabilities.
*C4ISR = Command, Control, Communications, Computers,
Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance
Contact Harris now to discuss your C4ISR systems needs:
www.harris.com/systems
1

the operational challenge
Rapidly establishing a secure communications
backbone over a wide area
Ready access to data, especially video, has become a
mainstay of our modern lives, and militaries are now
seeing the benefits of exchanging data within the tactical
environment. This data sharing enables commanders to make
better informed decisions and permits soldiers to remain up-todate
with the latest developments in situational awareness (SA).
Mission execution and soldier safety are both improved by the
timely dissemination of command and control information. Just as
threats are often able to coordinate activities across wide areas
using the commercial communications infrastructure, militaries
and homeland defense personnel must be able to provide the
same capability in regions with and without a commercial
infrastructure.
Such exponentially increasing data usage—in addition to the
ongoing need for secure voice communications across a wide
area—places huge demands upon the deployed backbone
communications infrastructure. Without a high bandwidth
backbone, video data is difficult—if not impossible—to
disseminate in real or near-real time. Its value as a decision and
planning aid is then greatly diminished.
Commanders need the ability to receive, disseminate, and control
large amounts of data in real-time on a dynamic battlefield.
A system supporting high-bandwidth data links that are easily
deployed at both high and low echelons is required.
The Harris Wideband Tactical Area Communications System
(WTACS) is a packaged system that provides a secure and robust
communications network optimized for armed forces covering
a large area. A pre-engineered, integrated system solution,
it provides real-time voice, data, and video from the local brigade
commander all the way to Corps Headquarters, for improved
mission planning and execution. Situational awareness data such
as the common operational picture (COP) can be sent back down
to deployed troops to increase their efficiency and safety. The
system also can provide a vital communications link to and from
other assets, such as mobile military hospitals.
A cost-effective system solution, WTACS implements a flexible
architecture that allows for rapid deployment in a specific region,
and it can easily be scaled up or down (e.g., for a division
deployment), depending on a customer’s requirements. The
Wideband Tactical Area Communications System can be used
across the breadth of scenarios that a government or armed
service might face where high-data rate, low-latency, real-time
communication over a wide area is crucial to successful and safe
mission execution.
WTACS is designed to operate in a dynamic, or mobile,
environment where headquarters elements can move or “jump”
at a moment’s notice. WTACS nodes are typically housed in
vehicle-mounted shelters and deployed at or near Tactical
Operations Centers (TOC). These nodes allow headquarters to
transmit large amounts of data over great distances. Maneuver
units are tied into the wideband network by connecting existing
combat net radios into the Trunk and Access nodes of the WTACS.

WTACS nodes are typically deployed
in vehicles for rapid emplacement
The Harris WTACS system provides commanders:
l Real-Time Situational Awareness – Soldiers in the field can
access situational awareness data in real time, enhancing their
fighting capabilities and reducing fratricide
l Real-Time Command and Control — The system enables
real-time video dissemination because our broadband data
radios support a higher resolution and frame rate; this provides
for timely command and control
l Video Communication – User-to-user anywhere on
the network
l Mobility and Rapid Deployment – The system is easily
transportable and can be rapidly emplaced where no existing
communications infrastructure is present
l Existing Capability – The WTACS system is available now
l A System that is Scalable – From a regional to a countrywide
system; based on an IP backbone system, it can easily
be expanded as needed
WTACS nodes are often located in or
near Tactical Operations Centers
or other movable assets, such as
mobile military hospitals
3

solution overview
WTACS enables quick establishment of a
high-capacity backbone
Harris RFCD is proud to offer the Wideband Tactical Area
Communications System. It utilizes the strength of our
Falcon III ® products to facilitate high-bandwidth command
and control communications across a wide area. Consider these
typical applications:
l A corps-sized maneuver element has been tasked with
establishing security in a large tribal area with little
infrastructure and incursions by threat forces. WTACS Trunk,
Access and Radio nodes are deployed with the headquarters
elements and Extension nodes are pre-positioned to extend
range and overcome terrain obstacles. This ensures high
bandwidth command and control as the brigades are deployed
into the area of operations.
l A task force is needed in a remote location to patrol for
insurgents and to secure the area. Communications vehicles
with WTACS equipment can be immediately deployed to
provide backbone communications for the deployed element of
the task force.
l A large-scale disaster (hurricane, earthquake, etc.) has
occurred, and the existing commercial and public safety
communications infrastructure has been destroyed. A military
task force needs to be rapidly deployed by land, sea, or air to
assist civilian authorities. WTACS nodes can be transported into
the disaster area and deployed to provide a communications
infrastructure for coordination and transmission of damage
assessment video. An Extension node can provide a connection
to the remaining commercial network infrastructure so this
data can flow to the national authorities.
Key Benefits of the Harris Solution:
l High-Speed Voice, Data and Video – From any user on
the net to any other user, either on a tactical radio or over
the IP network
l Integrated Situational Awareness – To show country- or
region-wide common operational picture (COP) to all users on
the network
l Industry Standard Interfaces – IP-based tactical networking
extends the distribution of data and command and control to
any echelon
l Simple Network Management – An intuitive graphical user
interface is used for monitoring the network‘s status and for
managing and controlling its operation
l Deployability – The system can be transported to remote
locations by land, sea, or air

WTACS is designed to be deployed with
mobile headquarters elements
5

low-risk solution
WTACS system equipment is ready for delivery
A
standard WTACS system is suitable for the deployment
of a corps-sized element organized with two divisions
(and three brigades per division). The system includes the
following communications nodes:
l Two Trunk nodes
l Four Extension nodes
l Twelve Access nodes
l Twenty-four Radio nodes
This configuration is very flexible, as additional equipment sets
can be provided at each echelon, depending on organizational
and mission needs. Additional nodes also can be integrated into
the system, either at purchase or as a subsequent upgrade.
The standard system can be delivered within six months. As
shown on the facing page, delivery is gated by the availability
of long-lead procurement items. If customization is required, a
more typical schedule would call for delivery within six to nine
months. Harris will work with every customer to provide them
with the appropriate system, without the need for long hardware
or software development cycles.
Typical customizations include changes in the type and/or
number of nodes. The WTACS system also can be provided with
a network-based video recorder to capture all network video
streams and store them at a central operations center. The video
can be archived for later retrieval, and multiple users can access
the video archive (or live video streams) from the server.
Our ability to readily customize the packaged system is due to
three factors:
l Systems Expertise: Harris has extensive experience
developing custom system solutions that utilize “best in class”
products.
l Open Architecture: The data is converted to IP packets as
soon as possible for seamless delivery over a variety of Harris
and commercial systems, eliminating “stovepipes.”
l Use of Standard Interfaces: Standard interfaces are used
to support the widest variety of products and to ensure that
upgrades and product improvements can be readily inserted.
As with all of the Harris packaged system offerings, the WTACS
System can be easily incorporated into the Harris Integrated
Tactical Area Communications System (ITACS), which is an
IP-based suite of communications vehicles, shelters, and
equipment. ITACS links the soldiers and commanders at the
tactical edge to commanders at all levels of the organization.

3
1 2 MONTHS
Kit
Integration
10 days
Shipping
10 days
Order
Received
Equipment
Procurement
60 days
Kit
Integration
15 days
Acceptance
Testing
15 days
Installation
5 days
Training
5 days
Delivery
Complete
4
1 2 3 MONTHS
Shipping
10 days
Site
Acceptance
Testing
10 days
Order
Received
Equipment
Procurement
2 months
Equipment
Integration
1 month
Acceptance
Testing
1 month
Shipping
1 month
Delivery
Complete
6
1 2 3 4 5 MONTHS
Typical Six-Month Delivery Schedule
Low-Risk System Characteristics:
l Pre-engineered system implementation
l Integration risks are eliminated
l Standard interfaces and protocols ease incorporation Equipment of future enhancements
Procurement
l Leverages Harris Falcon III ® radio technology 60 days
Kit
Order
Integration
15 days
Received l Expandable, accommodating new teams and echelons, as required
l 6-9 months delivery, depending on modifications
Acceptance
Testing
15 days
Installation
10 days
Training
1 month
Training
5 days
4
1 2 3 MONTHS
Delivery
Complete
Shipping
Site
Acceptance
7

System Description
The WTACS layered architecture
supports plug-and-play
radio operation
CORPS TACTICAL
The Wideband Tactical Area Communications System (WTACS)
architecture supports high-speed communications, connecting
deployed commanders and national command authorities into a
seamless, adaptive network.
WTACS implements a high-speed voice and data backbone utilizing the
Harris RF-7800W High Capacity Line-of-Sight (HCLOS) radio. Combat Net
Radios such as the Harris RF-7800M Multiband Networking Radios can be
connected to the WTACS backbone at Access nodes. This allows data from
mobile forces to be disseminated across the backbone as appropriate. The
standard WTACS system includes Trunk, Extension, Access, and Radio nodes,
as described below.
National
Communications
Infrastructure
Tactical Fiber
HCLOS
Trunk Node
Extension Node
Access Node
Radio Node
CORPS AUX HQ
T TRUNK NODES (QTY: 2)
Trunk nodes are large central nodes that are able to connect to
the other nodes (Extension, Access, and Radio), as well as to other
assets—such as national telephone and network infrastructures—
via tactical fiber, Ethernet or E1. The Trunk node will typically be
deployed at corps level as a redundant pair: one forward and one rear.
The Trunk node includes the following major equipment:
EQUIPMENT
Fiber Optic Patch Panel
Media Converter
E1-SM Fiber Interface
PoE Switch
IP Router
TDM-over-IP
Call Manager
KVM Pullout
Network Management Server
Vehicle Signal Entry Panel SEP
Tactical Fiber, 500 meters
CAPABILITIES
l Shelter mounted, IP-based switch
and service node
l Routes voice, data, and video
among up to 10 tactical
fiber links
l Provides service for 200
(upgradable to 1,000) phone lines
l Supports legacy telecom voice
circuits passed over the IP
network
l Provides access to existing
commercial network
X EXTENSION NODES (QTY: 4)
Extension nodes are designed to extend the Tactical Wide Area
Network (TWAN), and thus expand coverage. The Extension node
provides up to eight tactical fiber links to extend radio links and
provide service points for forward-deploying units. As units move
forward, they can plug in—either via a direct fiber or remote radio
link—and access the network and services. The integrated IP routing
capabilities of the Extension nodes provide survivable and redundant
path capabilities. When deployed in a mesh network topology, creating
multiple paths, the loss of a single path does not adversely affect
mission capability. Traffic can be re-routed around the lost link, or
node, and still provide the necessary access to the commanders in the
field. Each Extension node includes:
EQUIPMENT
Fiber Optic Patch Panel
10-Slot Media Converter
PoE Switch
IP Router
Vehicle Signal Entry Panel SEP
12U Rack
Tactical Fiber, 500 meters
RF-7600P-WB001 Wideband Tactical Ar
CAPABILITIES
l Shelter mounted, IP-based switch
l Routes voice, data, and video
among up to 8 tactical fiber links
l Provides clean, redundant,
survivable power via wide-range
AC or DC

EXAMPLE DEPLOYMENT
DIVISION HQ
HQ
35 km+
50 Mbps +
DIVISION AUX HQ
BRIGADE HQ
ea Communications System Equipment
A ACCESS NODES (QTY: 12)
Access nodes provide headquarters and user access (client access)
to the WTACS system. They are transit-cased subsystems designed
to be linked via tactical single-mode fiber to other network
assets such as Trunk or Radio nodes; this allows for kilometers
of remotablity.
Unlike Trunk nodes, Access nodes are deployed throughout the
area, typically at each headquarters and headquarters element,
and provide local network and phone access as well as interfaces
for legacy telecom assets.
Access nodes include the following equipment:
EQUIPMENT
Network Switch
Ethernet Interface
Telephone Interface
E-1 TDM Interface
Tactical Fiber Interface
Tactical Fiber, 500 meters
CAPABILITIES
l Rugged, quickly deployable,
transit-cased system
l Provides command post and
headquarters with C2/C4ISR
access to the tactical network
R RADIO NODES (QTY: 24)
Radio nodes are the terrestrial wireless links which form the
backbone of the TWAN. The Radio node is a quickly-deployable,
transit-cased subsystem based on the RF-7800W HCLOS radio,
operating in the 4.4 to 5.0 GHz range. In good line-of-sight
conditions, the Radio node is easily capable of providing 35 km
or more of high-bandwidth throughput with aggregate data rates
exceeding 50 Mbps. If additional transmission range is required, an
optional power amplifier is available.
The entire node can be powered via wide-range AC or DC sources.
Masts and antennas can be ideally placed while maintaining the
security of the node assets, as the radio can be remotely operated
over two kilometers of tactical single-mode fiber. An auto-aligning
antenna is also available. Each Radio node includes:
EQUIPMENT
RF-7800W HCLOS Radio
RF-7800W-NIU Network
Interface Unit
RF-7800W-CLAAS Automated
Antenna Alignment System
(Optional)
RF-7800W-PA440 Power Amplifier
(Optional)
CAPABILITIES
l Rugged, remotable, low power,
high capacity line-of-sight radio
package
l Provides IP digital data
communications at rates
exceeding 50 Mbps and ranges
exceeding 35 km
9

ENABLING TECHNOLOGIES
Wideband tactical radios provide simultaneous
voice, video, and situational awareness
High Capacity Line-of-Sight Radio
The Harris RF-7800W High Capacity Line-of-Sight (HCLOS) radio
is a new generation microwave radio. Its small size and weight
(2.5 kg / 5.5 lbs) make it ideal for tactical deployments to the
company level, where traditional, heavy microwave and relay
systems have been too cumbersome to be useful. The RF-7800W
is a truly IP-based platform, allowing any IP application to utilize
its broadband speed and connectivity. Its open architecture allows
users to easily switch from point-to-point (PTP) or point-tomultipoint
(PMP) deployments with minor configuration changes.
Extending Internet service and broadband connectivity to the
company level enables forward commanders to make better
tactical decisions. It allows them to access the information they
need—when they need it.
Network Interface Unit
The Harris RF-7800W-IU100 Network Interface Unit (NIU) can
provide the power requirements and meet the interface needs
of one or two HCLOS radio units. With wide-range AC and
DC voltage inputs, the NIU supports radio deployment to
any location.
To deploy critical, high-capacity IP networks as quickly as possible,
the NIU has integrated signal strength displays for two HCLOS
radios, which facilitates antenna aiming. Front panel access for
LAN connections allows immediate interface to wired networks.
The NIU supports point-to-point radio, point-to-multipoint radio,
or retransmission configurations with simple toggle switch
selection.
The RF-7800W-IU100 is designed for both fixed and mobile
environments, and is available with rack, transit case, or shock
mounts, as needed.
The RF-7800W is a secure, High Capacity Line-of-Sight (HCLOS)
microwave radio
The RF-7800W-IU100 Network Interface Unit provides the power
and interface requirements of the HCLOS radios

High Capacity Line-of-Sight Radio (HCLOS) RF-7800W
Features
Nato Band IV Frequency
Operation
Two Configurable Operating
Modes
High Data Rates
Spectrum Flexibility
Security
Military-Grade Technology
Benefits
Allows for NATO and Public Safety interoperability by supporting the full NATO
Band IV (4.4 - 5.0 GHz) as well as the Public Safety Band (4.94 - 4.99 GHz)
Supports IP traffic by implementing both point-to-point (PTP) and
point-to-multipoint (PMP) modes of operation
Supports high data rate applications such as video transfer by enabling
80 Mbps (PTP) and 40 Mbps (PMP) aggregate, on-air data rates
Flexible frequency and spectrum management including channel bandwidths of
5, 10, 20, and 40 MHz (PTP only) with a channel step size of 1 MHz
Supports secure communications by implementing FIPS 197 Approved
256-bit AES data encryption, as well as FIPS 140-2 Level 2 certification
Designed for reliable use in the harshest outdoor conditions
Network Interface Unit (NIU) RF-7800W-IU100
Features
AC and DC Power Inputs
Front Panel Connections
Benefits
Support for 120V AC, 240V AC, and DC input enables deployment in a wide
variety of environments
Allows the system operator to quickly connect and configure the system
11

service offering
After-sales service supports mission-critical
systems worldwide
Harris has earned a worldwide reputation as the low-risk
vendor of choice for tactical radios and systems. The
WTACS system leverages the program management
principles and practices used in our custom development
programs. Our responsive program management team and
customer service organization will deliver and support a highly
capable wideband communications system.
An agile manufacturing process allows Harris to modify the
build schedule and adapt our factory’s output to meet customer
demands, providing accelerated delivery when required. The Harris
factory is one of the highest-volume defense communications
manufacturing facilities in the world. Harris has the commitment
and capability to deliver, with 99 percent of our international
programs rated by our customers as either meeting or exceeding
expectations.
Unlike many other companies, Harris has “boots on the ground”
experience, supporting our products from initial fielding to
obsolescence. Harris still provides support to our customers
for systems which have been deployed for over 20 years. The
company is absolutely committed to customer satisfaction—and
that is why our customers rate Harris an average of two times
higher than our nearest competitor in our annual customer
satisfaction survey.
Harris has extensive experience in providing logistics and
sustainment support throughout the world and is a proven
provider of advanced radio, sensor, and integrated systems to
customers in over 150 countries. Harris has developed highly
successful processes for fielding, maintaining, supporting,
repairing, and upgrading equipment, no matter where it is
deployed in the world.
Many employees in our product and technical service departments
have prior military experience, and establish a close, personal bond
with our customers. In addition to this personal level of support, we
have two highly successful formal channels which include classic
telephone and email support as well as web-based services. Our
Premier website (https://premier.harris.com/rfcomm/) offers
customized access to:
l Computer-based training courses
l Manuals
l Frequently asked questions
l Department contact information
l Application notes
l Purchase of accessories and ancillaries
Additional capabilities include:
l Downloading and tracking software upgrades
l Warranty and maintenance support, including receiving RMA
numbers and tracking status of returned goods
System training is another important consideration. If the user
cannot adequately deploy and operate the system, it will likely sit
on a shelf or in a warehouse, unused.
Harris trains approximately 5,000 students per year on the
installation, operation, and maintenance of our equipment and
systems. This training occurs in formal classrooms at Harris
facilities, at customer locations, and in the field. Our students (our
customers) routinely rate the training they receive as “meeting or
exceeding expectations.”

The Harris WTACS system provides economic
benefits over its entire life cycle:
Low Risk – Our customer knowledge, program management,
technical expertise, and world-class customer support serve to
reduce fielding risk.
High Performance – The open architecture design allows
the Harris WTACS system solution to capitalize on technology
refresh of components, enabling customers to maximize the value
of their investments over an extended time period.
System Sustainment and Supportability – Sustainment issues
are reduced by the use of rugged military equipment (with existing
training and ILS packages) and the availability
of Harris field service representatives.
Life-cycle costs are reduced by:
l Use of common equipment and software applications
l 24/7 support capabilities
l Available in-country training and training material
l Common equipment interfaces and programming
l Availability of installation and maintenance by in-country
partners
l Availability of extended warranties beyond the standard
12 months
l Low-cost upgrade paths
13

proven performance
Harris supplies and services products in over
150 countries worldwide
Millions of people and hundreds of government agencies
throughout the world rely on assured communications ®
solutions from Harris to deliver critical information to the
right place at the right time. They know there is too much riding
on the outcome to risk anything less. What sets Harris apart is our
depth of expertise, breadth of experience, and focus on providing
the most advanced products, systems, and services that meet or
exceed the requirements of our customers.
Harris is one of the only companies in the world specializing in
advanced technology for capturing, aggregating, distributing,
and analyzing the full breadth of modern communications media,
including voice, data, video, and imaging. We use this unique
capability to provide systems and networks for customers in
defense, intelligence, government, public safety, healthcare,
broadcast, and energy markets.
Harris RF Communications Division (RFCD) is the leading supplier
of tactical, secure voice and data communications products,
systems, and networks to military, government, and commercial
organizations worldwide. Over 50 years of international
experience is leveraged into the design and deployment of Harris
RFCD’s packaged C4ISR system solutions.
The WTACS system is one more example of Harris responding to
the needs of its customers.
Harris has internationally
acclaimed products which
have left everyone else in
the dust. l International Customer
I firmly believe that Harris RF
Communications really listens
to their customer base and lives
by the creed: the customer is
king. I truly feel that sense of
partnership with Harris, and
I’ve been dealing with Harris
for years now. l NATO Staff Member

Always connected. Never alone.
RFCD Headquarters and Manufacturing
Regional Hubs
Harris Offices
Harris Partners
Harris Falcon ® Customers
Our proven solutions provide:
l Voice, data, and video where it’s needed, when it’s needed
l Cost effectiveness over the life cycle of the system
• No long, costly development cycle
• Unsurpassed in-country support during and after delivery
l Scalability and growth options
l Configurable solution sets
l On-time delivery of quality systems
15

the harris difference
As your partner, Harris is committed to your success
Harris Corporation welcomes the opportunity to discuss the
WTACS system in more detail, and how it can be applied
to your missions and applications.
We believe that our packaged systems provide a significant value
to you, our customer, in the following ways:
l The systems are available now, eliminating long and expensive
development and procurement cycles.
l The use of the latest wideband Falcon III ® tactical radios
supports new operational capabilities, such as live tactical
video and situational awareness, that have not previously
been possible.
l Falcon III software-defined radio technology uses open
architectures and standard interfaces, allowing the system to
incorporate new capabilities and stave off obsolescence.
l Pre-engineered system designs emphasize commonality of
equipment and resources to reduce life-cycle sustainment costs
such as training, sparing, and maintenance.
l Harris systems engineers and in-country partners can readily
customize the solution, as required.
l The systems are supported by our world-class customer service
organization that operates in every part of the world and is
second to none.
Harris Corporation is a $5 billion (USD) international
communications systems company serving government and
commercial markets in more than 150 countries. We are confident
that our packaged C4ISR system solutions represent the best
value with the lowest schedule, cost, and technical risks for
meeting your complex operational challenges.
Our solutions leverage:
l Falcon III ® wideband radio technology
l Open standards and interfaces
l Focused program teams
l Over 50 years experience providing state-of-the-art
military systems
l Product service teams that deploy to our customer
l Over 7,000 engineers and scientists throughout the
corporation

A secure communications link—anytime, anywhere
17

RF Communications Division | 1680 University Avenue | Rochester, NY USA 14610
www.harris.com | 1-800-4-HARRIS | Telephone 585-244-5830
This information was approved for publishing per the ITAR as “Basic Marketing Information of Defense Articles” or as “Advertising Printed Matter” per the EAR.
Specifications are subject to change without notice. © 2011 Harris Corporation 3/11 ES-102A