INTEGRATED VEHICLE SYSTEM

For Tactical Reconnaissance Applications

The Harris Tactical Reconnaissance Vehicle

is an integrated system solution for
meeting your ISR challenges

Packaged Systems

A simpler approach to C4ISR systems procurement

ommanders want video, but will settle for still images due
to the difficulty in transmitting video on the battlefield.
Today, with the fielding of the Harris wideband RF-7800
Falcon III radio family, commanders no longer have to settle.
The Harris Integrated Vehicle System for Tactical Reconnaissance
Applications is a C4ISR* system that provides for the capture
and real-time dissemination of video reconnaissance and
surveillance data.
Procuring a complex C4ISR 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 Corporations new,
simplified approach to C4ISR systems procurement uses preengineered system configurations that provide fast, cost-effective
solutions to todays most critical operational needs, such as
surveillance and reconnaissance.
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 all equipment, cables,
software, and manuals, with training and installation available.
Every system has undergone extensive testing and can be relied
upon to meet its objectives.

This executive summary describes the Harris Tactical

Reconnaissance Vehicle and outlines the advantages of our
packaged C4ISR systems:
l Low Risk Field proven and comprehensively tested systems
provide existing, cost-effective solutions
l Fast Delivery Complete systems can be delivered in a
matter of months to meet urgent operational needs
l Simplified Procurement Systems can be purchased as
off-the-shelf items, eliminating long system definition and
development phases
l Phased Implementation Packaged systems form building
blocks that enable the incremental acquisition of capability,
protecting current investment and supporting future goals
l Flexibility Systems are readily customized and can be
integrated by 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

the operational challenge

Finding the threat in complex terrain

odays military forces must be prepared to engage welldisciplined, well-equipped standing army and naval forces.
They also must respond to asymmetrical threats represented
by insurgents, terrorists, and drug cartels. Unlike members of a
standing force, these unconventional threats rarely wear uniforms
or travel in military vehicles. Insurgents can quickly blend into the
general population, with only their actions to provide a clue to
their intent.
It is no longer sufficient to merely monitor an area for activity to
determine if a threat exists. A commercial vehicle, for example,
cannot be excluded as a threatunless the nature of its cargo is
known. Moreover, a picture alone does not show the intent of the
target. Commanders today are demanding video surveillance to
help them:

integrated view of enemy force deployments. Due to the long

range of todays weapons and enhanced force maneuverability,
it is imperative to locate threat units at greater distances and to
provide friendly forces with immediate feedback. This ensures
sufficient time to plan for engaging or avoiding the threat.
In the past, reconnaissance teams verbally reported their
observations of enemy forces or positions and, if out of
communications range, the report could be delayed until the team
returned to the base. However, todays challenging battlefield
conditions call for reconnaissance and surveillance information
that is:
l Digital in format, not simply voice
l Able to include annotated video

l Determine the intent of a persons actions

l Transmitted in near real-time

l Accurately assess the size and nature of the threat

l Collected at higher echelons so that:

l Reliably differentiate threats from normal civilian activities

l Provide a level of detail sufficient to document illegal activities
for prosecution
l Ensure that their units actions are consistent with the rules of
engagement
l Minimize confrontations and civilian casualties
Modern militaries rely on the tenets of speed, lethality, and force
synchronization to win on todays complex battlefield. Disrupting
enemy synchronization requires real-time data flow and an

Commanders can identify the potential for enemy force

synchronization
Adjacent units can view all available ISR data
Reconnaissance missions range from nearly static, periodic
deployments from permanent bases to fast-moving pursuits to
find and acquire highly mobile threat forces. Most nations cannot
afford to develop, purchase, field, and maintain a variety of ISR
systems to meet this spectrum of requirements.

The old method of

performing reconnaissance
is no longer sufficient

What is needed is a building-block approach with a core

capability that can:
l Acquire data in mobile, force-on-force reconnaissance
operations
l Deploy as the central pillar of a wide area surveillance
capability
l Be deployed in larger numbers as part of an attached ISR
element
l Support on-demand integration of additional ISR assets
l Communicate the ISR data to higher and adjacent echelons
l Provide a local common operational picture
Harris offers a packaged system solution that provides real-time
reconnaissance data to multiple echelons, for improved mission
planning and execution. The Harris Tactical Reconnaissance
Vehicle is a cost-effective, configurable, and scalable solution that
can be used across the breadth of reconnaissance scenarios.

The Harris Tactical Reconnaissance Vehicle

provides commanders:
l Real-Time Reconnaissance Real-time picture of threat
activities in the area of interest at standoff ranges
l Intelligence Dissemination Communications to disseminate
data to adjacent and higher echelon units via line-of-sight and
beyond-line-of-sight networks to eliminate the fog of war
l Target Acquisition Capability A reconnaissance vehicle
equipped with the tools necessary to provide targeting
information on detected threats
l Video Management and Storage A video database and
management capability available to document and correlate
activities within a region of interest

In conventional warfare, intelligence officers and commanders

can locate threats and observe their movements, strength,
and equipment, to gain an understanding of their intentions.
This knowledge will enable them to proactively shape the battle
space to their advantage. The reconnaissance vehicle also
can provide the persistent surveillance so crucial in countering
asymmetric threats.

solution overview

The Tactical Reconnaissance Vehicle

is an ISR building block

he Tactical Reconnaissance Vehicle utilizes the strength of our

Falcon III communications products integrated with leadingedge partner video technology. It provides new capabilities
that allow more effective and efficient detection of potential
threats, and processes and disseminates this ISR threat data.

Key Benefits of the Harris Solution:

The reconnaissance vehicle can be deployed as a standalone

reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition (RSTA) asset
or serve as a command and control node for a range of ISR
capabilities.

l Use of Open Standards and Interfaces Standard

interfaces allow the plug-and-play addition of optional
features. Technology advances are also easily incorporated as
they become available. A range of mission-specific capabilities
can be deployed easily and cost-effectively.

In RSTA applications, the reconnaissance vehicle can act as a

forward scout deployed to detect targets and transmit video of the
potential threat back to a command post or intelligence center. The
video can be reviewed in real-time, and this information could be
combined with other available intelligence to determine whether
the target is indeed a threat.
Or consider a border monitoring scenario. Unattended ground
sensors which cross-cue roving patrols or aircraft might be a good
solution for daylight crossings. At night, however, targets are not
easily tracked. The reconnaissance vehicle can be deployed in an
overwatch position with its long-range IR camera and optional
unattended ground sensor radios. Sensor reports are received, the
camera is automatically panned to the location, and the operator
acquires and tracks the targets. Video is transmitted to Sector HQ,
and patrols are directed to intercept the intruders.

l A Versatile ISR Platform The vehicle can stand alone as a

reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition system or
can be outfitted to operate as a multifunction ISR vehicle.

l IP-Based Communications This architecture allows

networked distribution of video, data, target, and situational
awareness information across Harris tactical radios and
existing customer communications infrastructure.
l Customized Off-the-Shelf Availability The Tactical
Reconnaissance Vehicle is a Harris packaged system based on
ruggedized military equipment. It is available for delivery now
and can be readily customized as required.
l Multilevel Collection and Correlation of Data The
optional FAME (Full-Motion Video Asset Management
Engine) system allows Headquarters analysts to display,
archive, correlate, and annotate the collected video with
other intelligence. This capability breaks down the stovepipes
typical in ISR systems and provides a database for in-depth
intelligence analysis.

Intelligence officers can review data from

multiple ISR systems using FAME

low-risk solution

The Tactical Reconnaissance Vehicle system

is ready for delivery

he delivery of the Harris Tactical Reconnaissance Vehicle

system is a low-risk proposition. The reconnaissance vehicle
is based on the Harris Command and Control Vehicle and is
outfitted with reconnaissance assets utilized in our base security
and border shelter systems. This means that all of the system
interfaces have been validated on previous deliveries to other
customers.
A Cheetah armored reconnaissance vehicle is delivered with:
l Two multiband networking radios (MBNR) with 50-watt
amplifiers
l A three-station intercom system
l A mobile computing platform
l A vehicle-mounted pan/tilt/zoom camera system with electrooptical (day) and infrared (night) cameras
This configuration is very flexible, and additional functionality and
alternate equipment sets are easily incorporated either at initial
purchase or as a subsequent upgrade.
The standard system can be delivered within approximately eight
months, assuming vehicle integration at Harris. Additional Harris

communications gear, such as a BGAN SATCOM terminal, can be

incorporated without significant impact to the delivery schedule
shown on the opposite page.
The reconnaissance system also can be integrated into customersupplied vehicles by in-country Harris partners. Customizing the
vehicle harness and camera mount would require an additional
1.5 months. However, since the schedule is driven by the
availability of the Cheetah vehicle, integration into existing
customer assets could still result in a faster delivery.
Our ability to readily customize the packaged system is due to
three factors:
l Systems Expertise Harris has extensive experience
developing custom system solutions with best-in-class products
l Open Architecture The data is converted to IP packets
so it can be delivered seamlessly over a variety of Harris and
commercial systems
l Use of Standard Interfaces To support the widest
variety of products and to ensure that upgrades and product
improvements can be readily inserted

MONTHS

Site
Acceptance
Testing

Shipping

10 days

Equipment
Integration

Equipment
Procurement

Order
Received

2 months

10 days

Shipping

1 month

Acceptance
Testing

1 month

1 month

Delivery
Complete

MONTHS

Training
1 month

Equipment
Procurement

180 days

Order
Received

Kit
Integration

15 days

Installation
Training

10 days

5 days

Acceptance
Testing

15 days

6
Typical Eight-Month Delivery Schedule

Delivery
Complete

8
MONTHS

Site
Acceptance
Testing

Shipping

10 days

Low-Risk System Characteristics:

l Pre-engineered system implementation
l Integration risks are eliminated

Deliver
to Shipyard

Equipment
Procurement

10 Days

Order
90 Days of future enhancements
l Standard interfaces and protocols ease incorporation
Received

l Leverages Harris Falcon III radio technology

l Expandable, with ability to add vehicles and data distribution to support
additional echelons

l 6 to 8 months delivery, based on vehicle availability

5 days

Acceptance
Testing

Harbor
Trials

15 Days

5 Days

MONTHS
Time Based on
Shipyard Schedule

Rack
Training
Integration 5 Days

Installation
Onboard Ship

30 Days

30 Days

system DESCRIPTION

The Reconnaissance Vehicle is a flexible, expandable ISR ca

he Tactical Reconnaissance Vehicle provides the capabilities

of a mobile scout. It captures day and night video of potential
threats while underway or at the halt.

The system is configurable as a long- or short-range scout, based

on the capabilities of the camera that is chosen (multiple models
are available) and the selected Falcon III radios. The system
also supports command and control operations through voice
channels operating over the same secure wideband radios. The

Harris reconnaissance capability is installed and delivered with the

Cheetah armored vehicle.
Multiple reconnaissance vehicles can constitute an intelligence unit
(e.g., Intel Company) that is assigned or attached to a battalion or
brigade, depending on the mission and organization. Alternatively,
individual vehicles can support a maneuver company or battalions
reconnaissance capability.
RF-7800I Intercom Kit
Signal Ofcer

FalconCommand
Falcon C2View

Keypad
Display

Driver

Crew

Basic
Unit

Rotary
Dial

Analog Camera

RF-7800N-CP001
Mobile Computing Platform

Ethernet

Ethernet

Central Unit

Speaker

USB
RF-7800S-V001
Secure Personal
Radio

RF-7800M 50W Vehicle

Conguration (QTY: 2)

RF-7600P-IV201 Tactical Reconnaissance Vehicle Equipment

Standard Configuration

l Two RF-7800M radios provide wideband video data

distribution via the ANW2 network to the TOC/Intel Center
l One RF-7800I intercom system links the driver, operator, and
crew to each other and to the vehicles radios
l One RF-7800N-CP001 Mobile Computing Platform provides
digitization and storage capability; video is also made available
to others on the network

l One laptop running RF-7400E-CV001 Falcon C2View video

management application and RF-5410FC FalconCommand
software
l One dual day/night long-range pan/tilt/zoom camera system
l One vehicle-mounted RF-7800S-V001 Secure Personal
Radio for intra-team voice communications among deployed
reconnaissance team members or adjacent units
l Force Protection Cheetah Armored Vehicle

apability
In the scenario shown, three vehicles form a reconnaissance team
assigned to the battalion. Scout 1 is perched at the top of a ridge,
monitoring a valley for threats. Previously deployed ground sensors
(optional) provide coverage and cross-cueing of areas not visible by
Scout 1s long-range camera.
Scout 2 is monitoring the approaches to a village with its camera.

The Harris RF-7800M MBNR network is connecting both these

scouts to a third scout, who is performing another reconnaissance
mission on the flank. Due to the ridgeline, this scout is using its
RF-7800B BGAN terminal to route not only its video, but also
that of Scouts 1 and 2, back to the battalion Tactical Operations
Center. The TOC now has a real-time view of all the activity
occurring across its front.

Scout 3

BGAN
SATCOM

MBNR
Link

Mini-Sensor

Battalion Main

Mini-Sensor

Scout 1
VHF
Link

FAME Display
at Battalion TOC

Scout 2
Mini-Sensor

Optional Capabilities

l RF-7800B BGAN SATCOM terminals for extended range

video distribution to the TOC when the vehicle is out of the
RF-7800M network
l Advanced cameras with additional target acquisition
capabilities such as laser rangefinders, target designators, or
other optical packages

l Telescoping mast mount for the camera package

l Harris Full-Motion Video Asset Management Engine, or
FAME system, for advanced video metadata tagging,
integration of other ISR data, video storage, and search
capabilities
l Unattended ground sensors

ENABLING TECHNOLOGIES

Harris wideband radios and advanced partner solutions

enable real-time reconnaissance

he wideband nature of Falcon III radios and the long-range

video capabilities of our partners cameras provide the
underlying technology that enables Harris to provide an offthe-shelf reconnaissance vehicle.
The RF-7800M Multiband Networking Radio is the standard radio
used in the reconnaissance vehicle. The RF-7800M enables the highspeed flow of real-time battlefield situational awareness information
across a secure, mobile, ad hoc tactical wireless network. This
enhanced flow of operational information and intelligence data from
the field, over extreme distances or rugged terrain, facilitates faster,
more informed decisions.
Reconnaissance vehicles can be networked together via the
RF-7800M, sharing information and video data, and can relay the
data back to the Tactical Operations Center (TOC) when in range of
any member of the network. This ability to deliver networked video
is made possible by the Harris Adaptive Networking Wideband
Waveform (ANW2) and the seamless integration of the RF-7800M
radio and the optional RF-7800B BGAN satellite communications
terminal.
When the RF-7800M network can no longer reach the TOC directly,
the system will automatically relay that data through the BGAN
terminal to the TOC. This integration provides reachback capability
on a global scale, connecting operators at the tactical edge
with commanders at the highest levels. This allows for faster and
more informed decision-making, improved mission efficiency,
and troop safety.

The Harris Tactical Reconnaissance Vehicle incorporates the

RF-7800N-CP001 Mobile Computing Platform. This device accepts
both standard analog video and digital video inputs meeting
H.264 standards. This allows Harris to provision the reconnaissance
vehicle from a wide pool of camera systems manufactured by highly
respected vendors such as IEC Infrared.
As shown on the opposite page, the standard camera system
includes mid-range, dual day and IR cameras that provide
reconnaissance capability 24 hours a day, in any weather. A single
reconnaissance vehicle can provide surveillance of up to 150 square
kilometers. This system can be augmented with additional target
acquisition features such as:
l Longer-range cameras
l Laser rangefinders and illuminators
l Image-intensified cameras
In deployments where archiving and managing large amounts of
video data is required, the optional Harris Full-Motion Video Asset
Management Engine, or FAME, can be utilized. FAME allows
analysts to annotate video and to add metadata and other relevant
information on a frame-by-frame basis. FAME provides a powerful
search engine so that intelligence analysts can review the stored
video for specific data.

Multiband Networking Radio (MBNR) RF-7800M

Features

Benefits

5 Mbps High-Speed Waveform

The Adaptive Networking Wideband Waveform (ANW2) provides the necessary

bandwidth for transmitting video to the next echelon

Ad Hoc Networking

Keeps mobile nodes connected to the network to expand the deployed range of the system
Eliminates the need for extensive preplanning of networks before a mission

Simultaneous Voice and Data

Allows real-time discussion of reconnaissance information contained in the transmitted video

Security

AES 128/256-bit standards-based encryption ensures security and privacy of your data

Dual EO/IR Pan/Tilt/Zoom Camera System M1-NSTI-M35

Features

Benefits

Dual Day/IR Camera

Provides reconnaissance capability 24 hours per day, in all weather

7 km Detection Range

Allows system to detect threat activity at ranges outside of direct fire weapon range, which
minimizes probability of detection and attack

Programmable Scan Pattern

Reduces operator burden and allows slew-to-cue capability with unattended ground sensors
and the Harris MicroTerrain Observation System (MTOS)

Land Mobile BGAN SATCOM Terminal RF-7800B (Optional)

Features

Benefits

492 kbps Data Rate

Allows real-time distribution of video over non-line-of-sight terrain, ensuring connectivity

between the vehicle and the intelligence center

Integration with RF-7800M

Seamless switchover from ANW2 network to BGAN mode while on the move

11

service offering

After-sales service supports

mission-critical systems worldwide

arris has earned a worldwide reputation as the low-risk

vendor of choice for tactical radios and systems, with 99
percent of our international program customers reporting
that Harris meets or exceeds their expectations. Our responsive
program management team and customer service organization
will deliver and support a highly capable reconnaissance system.

Many of our product and technical service representatives have

prior military experience, and establish a close, personal bond with
our customers. Our comprehensive service offering includes classic
telephone and email support as well as web-based services.
Harriss Premier website (https://premier.harris.com/) provides
customized access to:

An agile manufacturing process enables Harris to modify

the build schedule and adapt our factorys output to meet
customer demands. With one of the highest-volume defense
communications manufacturing facilities in the world, we have
the commitment and capability to deliver on our promises.

l Computer-based training courses and manuals

Unlike many other companies, Harris has boots on the ground

experience, supporting our products from initial fielding to
obsolescence. In fact, we are currently servicing systems that have
been deployed for more than 20 years, underscoring our absolute
commitment to customer satisfaction. Our customers rate Harris
an average of two times higher than our nearest competitor.

Customers also can use the website to:

As a proven provider of advanced radio, sensor, and integrated

systems to customers in over 120 countries, Harris has extensive
experience in providing logistics and sustainment support
throughout the world. We have developed highly successful
processes for fielding, maintaining, supporting, repairing, and
upgrading our equipment, no matter where it is deployed.

l Frequently asked questions

l Application notes
l Purchase of accessories and ancillaries

l Download and track software upgrades

l Receive warranty and maintenance support, including RMA
numbers and returned goods status
System training is another important consideration. Harris trains
approximately 5,000 students per year on the installation,
operation, and maintenance of its equipment and systems. This
process occurs in Harriss classrooms, at customer locations, and
in the field. Our students (our customers) consistently rate the
training they receive as meeting or exceeding their expectations.

The Harris Tactical Reconnaissance Vehicle

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 capitalizes

on technology refresh of components, maximizing the value of
customers 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 in many echelons
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 tactical and public safety radio

products in over 120 countries worldwide

illions 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 wireless communications
including voice, data, video, and imaging. We use this unique

Harris has internationally

acclaimed products which
have left everyone else in
the dust. l International Customer

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 RFCDs packaged C4ISR system solutions.
The Tactical Reconnaissance Vehicle is one more example of
Harris responding to the needs of its customers.

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
Ive been dealing with Harris
for years now. l NATO Staff Member

Always connected. Never alone.

Corporate Headquarters
RFCD Headquarters and Manufacturing
RFCD Hubs
RFCD Offices
RFCD Partners
Tactical Customers
Public Safety Customers
Tactical and Public Safety Customers

Our proven solutions provide:

l Voice, data, and video where its needed, when its 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

arris Corporation welcomes the opportunity to discuss the

Tactical Reconnaissance Vehicle 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 worldwide. We are confident that our
packaged C4ISR system solutions represent the best value with
the lowest schedule, cost, and technical risks for solving your
complex operational challenges.

Our solutions leverage:

l Falcon III wideband radio technology
l Harriss video processing and management 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

You need to know whos out there

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 per the EAR as Advertising Printed Matter.
Specifications are subject to change without notice. 2011 Harris Corporation 10/11 ES-101B