RF Industries is receiving funding through the Capability and Technology Demonstrator (CTD) Program, managed by the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), to develop the next generation of a specialised radio repeater system, AUTRY (Airborne UHF Transponder for Radio relaY).
The first generation AUTRY is a specialised radio communications system conceived by the DSTO for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to extend the operating range of battlefield communication systems.
In operations, AUTRY is deployed as either a ground-based fixed re-transmission unit, or alternatively as a payload on unmanned airborne vehicles (UAVs), to enhance critical tactical communications with significant range extension over direct battlefield communications.
The CTD Program funding allows RFI to accelerate development of the AUTRY product family, including enhancements defined by CTD and lead to field validation trials of the airborne and land-based variants.
First-generation AUTRY units have been successfully trialled in battlefield conditions and these deployments have led to significant ADF interest and requests for enhancements.
Over a period of 18 months, RFI’s Adelaide facility will redesign the current AUTRY repeater family to meet the specific requirements of the ADF.
The developed product will subsequently be manufactured by RFI in Adelaide and further field trials will be conducted with Defence and DSTO personnel oversight.
Based on the redevelopment contract, AUTRY may become a significant tool not only for ADF but other international forces to enhance battlefield communications without compromising transmission security.
“CTD co-funded development will allow RFI to take a proven concept and put devices in the hands of the ADF which can transform battlefield communications,” Steve Jaques, Managing Director of RFI, said.
“AUTRY is a unique device which was conceived through DSTO and has been proven to add real value to ground forces, particularly in theatres with hostile terrain such as Afghanistan where ground to ground communications are consistently disrupted.
“AUTRY provides a unique solution to this disruption, and the support of this CTD co-funded development will allow us to bring a better adapted solution to these forces quickly and effectively.”
RFI anticipates significant demand for the re-developed product in both the UAV and ground-based market. The company says that the contract will lead not only to the immediate creation of four full-time engineering roles but to a longer-term expansion of the company’s manufacturing team in Adelaide, where currently 28 staff are employed.