Tactical and Joint Communications
In complex tactical and joint operations, secure, reliable and robust communication is essential for mission success. Our RT product range ensures seamless interoperability across HF and V/UHF radio systems from various vendors, enabling secure, real-time connectivity for land, naval and multinational forces. Designed for integration with both legacy and modern equipment, RT devices support coordinated operations in diverse and challenging environments.
Engineered with cutting-edge waveforms and a rugged design, the RT products deliver unmatched reliability to last-mile users. These devices provide advanced digital capabilities, including secure voice, situational awareness, tracking, email, and chat. RT products excel in beyond line-of-sight (BLOS) communication, ensuring personnel remain informed, regardless of distance or conditions. Built with high-security protocols, our products ensure robust data protection, meeting the stringent requirements of dynamic operational scenarios.
Operational Requirements and Interoperability
Meeting Modern Interoperability Needs
Today's forces face integration challenges due to legacy and varied vendor equipment. Traditionally, multiple radios were required to maintain secure communication across different operational settings. RapidM's RT family addresses this complexity, enabling secure communications across air, sea, and land environments and providing uninterrupted connectivity during transitions. RT products overcome limitations posed by fixed systems, like vehicle-mounted radios or naval rack-mounted setups, which can isolate users in case of equipment failure. Designed for adaptability, RT devices integrate seamlessly with HF and V/UHF networks, ensuring a cost-effective and secure upgrade across mixed vendor devices.
The diagram above conceptually illustrates the RT family product range and its integration within existing radio networks, showcasing adaptable solutions for all deployment scenarios, from foot soldiers and vehicles to vessels and static infrastructure.
Regional Communication Interoperability
For regional military alliances, interoperability across different analogue systems is crucial. RapidM's tactical communication system creates a digital interoperability layer for existing radio equipment, enabling cost-effective and secure communication for alliances like the UN, ECOWAS, ASEAN, SADC and others. With minimal additional equipment, existing equipment can be integrated, enabling efficient messaging, position tracking, and secure voice communication—key elements for the success of regional cooperative forces.
Addressing Operational Communication Requirements
Many armed forces face the complex task of maintaining and modernising communications across a mix of legacy and modern radio systems from multiple manufacturers. This diverse equipment landscape creates significant interoperability and operational challenges, particularly with older devices that lack secure digital capabilities.
RapidM's RT family is engineered to bridge these gaps, transforming analogue radios into secure, interoperable digital units and enabling a fully integrated digital network across HF, VHF, and UHF transceivers, regardless of equipment type or manufacturer. By adding RT devices to existing systems, forces can achieve secure, digital communication from base stations to individual operators, overcoming compatibility constraints without requiring a full inventory replacement.
Each RT device features a built-in vocoder to digitise voice transmissions and an integrated modem for encrypted voice and data communication over analogue radio links. This cost-effective upgrade ensures secure, reliable communications across HF, VHF, and UHF bands.
The RT family's seamless digital integration enhances operational reliability across varied deployment scenarios, from handheld and manpack devices to vehicle-mounted units and naval vessels. For instance:
- Vehicle-Mounted to Manpack Transitions: RT products allow interoperability between fixed vehicle-mounted radios and portable manpacks. If a vehicle is compromised, personnel can seamlessly switch to a manpack without losing connection, ensuring continuous communication on the move.
- Naval Vessel Operations: RT devices are compatible with rack-mounted systems on naval vessels, providing robust communication options that remain functional even if equipment failure occurs, preventing the isolation of personnel during critical missions.
Beyond basic interoperability, RT devices add secure digital capabilities such as encrypted messaging, position tracking, and real-time situational awareness, enhancing command and control in complex environments. This allows commanders to monitor and coordinate personnel across multiple units, enabling effective communication during multinational and joint missions. Additionally, RT products adhere to military standards for encryption and waveform protocols, ensuring compliance with MIL-STD and STANAG standards, and allowing even older analogue radios to integrate into secure, digitally connected networks.
With flexibility across varied equipment generations and manufacturers, the RT family creates a cohesive, scalable communication network that eliminates traditional “patchwork” setups of incompatible systems. By maximizing the utility of legacy assets, RT devices offer a streamlined, adaptable communication solution, connecting personnel securely from the field to command centres, ready to meet the demands of modern operational complexity.
Beyond-Line-of-Sight (BLOS) and Satellite-Denied Environments
In military operations, there is often a critical need for beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) communications, especially in situations where traditional communication infrastructure is either unavailable or unreliable. Military forces cannot depend on the installation of vulnerable base stations, such as those used in mobile phone networks. Additionally, relying solely on satellites for communication is often undesirable due to factors such as jamming, vulnerability, and limited availability in certain environments.
As a result, many military ground forces are forced to rely primarily on traditional VHF transceivers for short-range communication and HF transceivers for long-range, BLOS operations. While VHF provides reliable short-range connectivity, it falls short when it comes to communication over longer distances, especially in satellite-denied or hostile environments.
RapidM's RT products offer a solution to these challenges and are equipped with a robust modem designed for use with BLOS HF radio transceivers, ensuring reliable communication over long distances, even in degraded conditions. Additionally, these products can be used with short-range V/UHF transceivers, offering flexible communication options that meet the diverse needs of military forces in complex operational scenarios.
Security Needs: Ensuring Safe Communications in Tactical Operations
Beyond the need for interoperability, military forces require secure radio communication systems that can withstand potential threats. This is especially true for strategic HF BLOS or long-haul communications, which are often used in critical operations. These high-power HF systems, commonly deployed on naval platforms, represent a significant investment, and safeguarding them is vital to protect sensitive information.
Older analogue equipment, such as FM or SSB transceivers, is vulnerable to interception or eavesdropping, posing a serious security risk. While newer systems may offer some advancements, they may not be fully trusted due to concerns about their cryptographic weaknesses or potential vulnerabilities. As a result, military operations demand a standardised and robust encryption capability that guarantees secure communications across all platforms and environments.
The RT products provide an effective solution with their built-in modems using AES-256 encryption. This trusted encryption algorithm ensures that all communications—whether voice or data—are securely transmitted. Furthermore, the RT system allows users to easily generate and manage their cryptographic keys, ensuring seamless communication security throughout operations.
Command and Communications
The RT system provides a robust and secure communications layer, allowing users to focus on the critical task of commanding and controlling their forces. Paired with intuitive software solutions like TacPoint and MessagePoint, commanders gain access to a user-friendly interface for command-and-control functions. These software products leverage an OSI-based communications stack, which automatically handles session, transport, network and data link layer activities. With the RT system's reliable communications stack and modem technology, commanders can ensure fast and accurate delivery of operational information, allowing them to focus on strategic decision-making in real-time.
Product Capabilities and Technology
RT Family
RT7 Strategic Voice & Data Encryptor
The RT7 is a 19-inch rack-mount secure terminal for HF and V/UHF radios, offering secure voice, data, link setup, and position tracking. Powered by a RapidM embedded modem, it ensures reliable communication with US MIL-STD and NATO STANAG waveforms in noisy environments. The RT7 features AES-256 encrypted secure digital voice and a TWELP vocoder. Featuring AES-256 encrypted secure digital voice and a TWELP vocoder, the RT7 enables private calls, message sending, file transfers, and position tracking via RT software.
RT5 Tactical Voice & Data Terminal
The RT5 is an ultra-rugged tactical terminal for secure voice, position tracking, and data messaging over HF and V/UHF radios in harsh environments. Equipped with a RapidM embedded modem, it supports US MIL-STD and NATO STANAG waveforms for reliable communication in high-noise or low-signal conditions. With a QWERTY-style keyboard for intuitive operation, it offers encrypted secure digital voice (SDV), real-time chat, QuickText, file transfers, and integration with email and SMS. Designed for man-pack, vehicular, and SOF deployments, the RT5 ensures end-to-end encrypted communications for enhanced operational effectiveness.
RT3 Tactical Voice & Data Encryptor
The RapidM RT3 provides secure digital voice communications to mobile warfighters, whilst providing commanders with vital blue-force position information. The RT3 is a purpose-built tactical voice and data encryptor that works with any HF or V/UHF radio via the audio channel. The unit delivers clear, secure digital voice and automated position transfers in the most adverse channel conditions.
Software
TacPoint Situational Awareness Software
TacPoint is a situational awareness application that provides commanders with a real-time digital view of the battlefield. Designed for Windows-based touchscreen tablets and laptops, it overlays RT device positions and key points on image and vector maps. With an intuitive interface and built-in chat feature instant communication, commanders can quickly relay orders and updates. Lightweight and field-portable, TacPoint ensures continuous access to critical information, making it an essential tool for modern military operations on foot or in vehicles.
Radio Management
RW3 Radio Remote Set
The RW3 Radio Remote Set allows an operator to use radios from a remote location up to 5 km away using D-10 or P-274 field wire. The remote operator can select one of the three connected radios to use, speak over the selected radio and control the radio channel selection. The RW3 also provides an operator call function between the local and remote units.
Services Offered by RT Products
The RT product family offers a suite of services, including voice, data, and position, to enhance operational efficiency and decision-making on the battlefield.
Key Services
- Voice: With robust digital encryption, low-rate vocoders, and dedicated digital voice waveforms, RT products provide secure and reliable voice communications.
- Position: RT products allow secure transmission and reception of blue force, neutral and enemy positions. This capability enhances situational awareness and supports informed decision-making for commanders.
- Messaging: Secure messaging services, including chat, form templates, email, and quick codes, enable both point-to-point and broadcast communications.
Together, these services equip commanders with the necessary tools to track forces, maintain clear communication and exchange critical operational information in real time.
RT Digital Voice and Data Modem Performance
Voice communication remains the most critical component of military operations. However, existing data modems and digital voice systems only function effectively when the channel quality is good. In difficult conditions, operators are often forced to revert to unencrypted analogue voice, which compromises security and reliability.
To address these challenges, RapidM's RT tactical devices incorporate cutting-edge modem technology based on the enhanced STANAG 4538 standard. This advanced technology ensures robust, reliable BLOS communications, delivering connectivity even in noisy environments, where traditional systems may fail.
The RT equipment uses the high-performance proprietary HF-2 Digital Voice Modem, which is specifically designed and optimised for secure digital voice communication. It significantly outperforms traditional MIL-STD modem waveforms. When combined with the TWELP low data rate vocoders, the RT system extends range and improves voice quality.
The diagram below illustrates the performance specifications of the RT family products, focusing on over-the-air noise performance. It plots throughput (measured in bits per second) on the vertical axis against channel noise (measured in signal-to-noise ratio) on the horizontal axis.
The blue area represents ARQ data performance, while the orange lines show individual voice waveform performances, highlighting the RT products' superior capability to deliver secure, reliable communications under difficult circumstances.
RT Data Modem Technology
Most RT products are equipped with the RapidM TC2 modem module or a variant, leveraging RapidM's advanced technology and extensive experience in HF modem design to enhance both digital voice and data operations. The modem features adaptive equalisation, enabling it to effectively handle in-band distortion and interference, which results in extended range and increased throughput.
The TC2's embedded software is based on a derivative of a 3G ALE controller (STANAG 4538) and incorporates a packet modem function. Its Secure Digital Voice (SDV) capability is powered by RapidM's proprietary voice modem, which digitises the voice signal using a low-rate vocoder. Both data and digitised voice information are processed through the AES-256 encryption algorithm, ensuring secure communication. The modem then converts the digital data and voice signals into analogue form, which is transmitted and received via the radio's audio interface. The digital voice and encryption functionalities are facilitated through RapidM's EF-256 software.
Ease of Configuration of the RT Family
Configuring nodes within a radio network is crucial for effective communication, particularly when it comes to understanding the configuration processes and the management of encryption keys.
RT products are designed for easy configuration, allowing users to manage cryptographic keys through Key Management Software (KMS) and handle system and network configurations with System Configuration Software (SCS). The configuration is generated within a secure environment, transported and loaded via a dedicated secure double-wrapped fill device.
The diagram above demonstrates how the RT5 and RT7 units can be configured using a fill device that carries the configurations generated by KMS and SCS. For the RT1 and RT3, the additional Configuration and Logging Software (CLS) is required for setup.
With RapidM’s RT equipment, users can easily configure and reconfigure their systems to meet changing operational requirements.
Connection to Fixed Infrastructure
Customers often require seamless communication between HF or V/UHF radio networks and other infrastructures, such as LANs, the Internet, or GSM networks. This includes scenarios where radio users need to send emails to users on a LAN or communicate with mobile users outside of GSM coverage.
RapidM's GatePoint software, when combined with RT modems and terminals, provides a reliable solution for routing emails and SMS messages over existing HF and V/UHF radio links. This Microsoft® Windows® application acts as a bridge between radio networks and email or GSM networks. This allows users in the radio network to easily exchange SMS and email messages with those on GSM networks, as well as with local intranets or the Internet, facilitating communication in remote or challenging environments.
Applications
In modern military operations, there is an increasing demand for communication systems that offer intuitive, well-integrated services similar to those of smartphones, such as location tracking, voice, text, and file transfer. These features are essential for enhancing situational awareness and decision-making. However, military communication equipment often lags in meeting these modern expectations as much of the existing equipment was designed decades ago, with long operational lifespans, making it less suited to the needs of today's digital-savvy generation.
The RT tactical and touch-screen terminals bridge this gap by offering a suite of advanced applications that integrate voice and data services. These terminals are designed to operate similarly to smartphones, ensuring a user-friendly experience with clear, easy navigation. Despite their modern design, RT equipment is purpose-built for military use, supporting a military communication doctrine while maintaining a high level of functionality.
Equipped with GPS and GLONASS positioning modules, RT units provide commanders with the situational awareness needed for important decisions. By seamlessly integrating voice and data services on the same network and channel, these terminals simplify communication and improve operational efficiency, making it easier for military personnel to stay connected, regardless of their environment.
RT Products Enhanced by Embedded TC Products
Militaries are increasingly interested in expanding their equipment inventories by integrating radios with secure digital capabilities. This approach is particularly beneficial when existing equipment can be retrofitted to interoperate seamlessly with new radio systems.
The RT family system is built to integrate directly with new transceivers that feature embedded RapidM TC modules. This integration offers radio manufacturers a comprehensive suite of ancillary devices and software, enhancing the functionality of modern radios.
The diagram above demonstrates how a TacPoint terminal connects to a radio with an embedded RapidM modem module, typically through an Ethernet connection.
Additionally, new radio designs incorporating RapidM TC modules are fully supported by the RT family of products, allowing them to deliver the same advanced capabilities to both new and existing radios in a customer’s inventory. In essence, RT products enable interoperability with radios utilising TC modules, creating a cohesive and secure communication network.
RT Versus RA Families
While both the RT and RA product families offer similar devices and services, they cater to different user needs.
- RT Family: Specially designed for military users, the RT family features military-grade encryption, and ultra-low-rate voice coders, and requires end-user certificates for export. These products ensure secure and reliable communications in demanding environments.
- RA Family: Designed for commercial and governmental users, the RA family features high-grade security and low-rate voice coders for dual-use applications. Export requires approval from the end country, making it suitable for sensitive governmental applications.
| Capability | RA Family | RT Family | ||
| Security | Military Grade Security | AES-256, Key Phrase, 256 Keys | ||
| Government Agency | AES-256, 99 Keys | |||
| Digital Voice | Ultra-Robust Digital Voice | TWELP: 300, 600, 1200, 2400 bps | ||
| Low-Rate Digital Voice | MELPe or TWELP: 600, 1200, 2400 bps | |||
| Export Control | Full – Green Colour | EUC and Approval Required | ||
| Partial – Black Colour | End-Country Approval Required | |||
Both series adhere to export regulations, with the RT family subject to end-user certification and export approval to ensure compliance.
3rd Party Software Interface
Many customers require the integration of their proprietary software with secure radio communications. This includes transmitting sensor information, command and control data, direction-finding bearings, fire control applications, and similar functionalities over HF or VHF radio links. RapidM's tactical devices facilitate this seamless communication.
To support these needs, RapidM provides a comprehensive Application Programming Interface (API) documented in our Interface Control Document (ICD) through the use of our EntryPoint application. This application is compatible with both Windows and Linux operating systems, and allows for easy implementation of the API, ensuring efficient integration with your existing systems.
Integration, Deployment and Regulatory Considerations
Deployment of RT Products in Military Networks
Military communications networks operate at multiple levels, each with different requirements for size, weight, mounting options, and capabilities. Adding to this complexity, radio transceivers from different vendors are often used at different levels of deployment, making interoperability a challenge, particularly when relying on the radios’ built-in digital capabilities.
Military forces require secure communication between their ships, vehicle units, and manpack systems while effectively tracking the positions of all units. When procuring new vehicle radios, there is also a need for these systems to communicate securely with existing base station radios.
The RT family provides a suite of interoperable products, optimised for various deployment scenarios. Whether deployed on land, at sea, or in the air, RT products ensure secure, seamless communication across all levels.
| RT7 | TacPoint + RT3 | RT5 | RT3 | RT1 | |
| Rack-mount | Base Station, Vehicle | Base Station, Vehicle, Man-Pack | Vehicle | Wearable | |
| Regiment Level | |||||
| Brigade Level | |||||
| Company Level | |||||
| Platoon Level | |||||
| Squad Level |
Key Capabilities
- Ship-to-Vehicle and Manpack Communication: Secure, real-time communication between naval, ground, and mobile units.
- Integration with Existing Radios: RT products enable new radios to work securely with legacy base-station systems.
- Flexible Deployment Options: Designed to meet the unique needs of different deployment environments.
By using the RT family, military forces can achieve full interoperability, ensuring secure communications and enhanced coordination across all units, regardless of their communication platform.
Export Control Considerations
When considering the purchase of RT products, it's essential to understand the requirements surrounding export control, including whether an End-User Certificate (EUC) is necessary.
The export of conventional arms from South Africa is regulated by the Directorate of Conventional Arms Control (DCAC). Since RT equipment is specifically designed for military applications, it is fully subject to export controls.
RapidM is committed to compliance with national export regulations and acknowledges that the export control process may result in additional shipment delays for controlled items. We work closely with our customers to facilitate export approvals as efficiently as possible.
In contrast, the RA equipment is intended for governmental use and is classified as dual-use items under the Wassenaar Arrangement. While dual-use items are still export-controlled, they typically face fewer restrictions, allowing for quicker approval compared to military items.
In summary:
- An EUC and export permit are required for military RT equipment.
- For RA equipment, only an export permit is necessary.
Systems Planning Considerations
A complete system involves careful consideration of all necessary components, as well as ensuring reliable functionality.
The RapidM RT system is highly adaptable, offering extensive integration and mounting options tailored to diverse deployment scenarios and operational requirements. This flexibility allows the RT system to work seamlessly with radios from a wide range of vendors, ensuring compatibility across different communication setups.
To ensure smooth and effective deployment, RapidM collaborates with a global network of value-added resellers (VARs). These VARs are experienced system integrators with in-depth product knowledge, making them well-equipped to guide customers through selecting, integrating, and configuring the RT system components required for a complete solution.
Further support is available from engineers at RapidM's head office, who assist with system planning and solution verification. Their expertise ensures each system operates as designed, fully aligned with specific deployment requirements. For optimal results, consulting a RapidM representative is recommended to ensure that the RT solution will meet specific operational expectations and function as intended.
By leveraging its network of value-added resellers and in-house engineering support, RapidM ensures that system planning and integration are carried out effectively, meeting the demands of even the most complex operational environments.
Systems Integration Assistance
Integrating the RT system into existing communication infrastructures can be challenging due to the complexity of multi-faceted systems that span various networks and protocols. A common concern is ensuring that the RT system functions seamlessly within the current infrastructure, where it must frequently interface with adjacent equipment and protocols as part of a larger network.
To address these challenges, RapidM offers expert engineering support to ensure the RT system operates optimally within the broader communication environment. The RapidM EntryPoint Software, featuring an OSI Layer 7 Application Program Interface (API), is designed for third-party system integrators. This API facilitates efficient data transport through the RT network, enabling seamless communication with external systems.
Supported by a comprehensive Interface Control Document (IDC) detailing the integration process, along with sample software, RapidM simplifies the integration process, allowing system integrators to get up and running with ease. This provides full access to the RT communications stack, facilitating integration into complex, evolving communication architectures.
Assistance with Radio Integration of RT Products
The RT system is designed with built-in support for interfacing with a wide range of radios, featuring profiles for specific devices and corresponding interface cabling. If a particular radio is not already supported, our engineers are available to assist with the integration process, drawing on extensive experience interfacing with radios from diverse manufacturers, from military to commercial.
Support, Training and Global Engagement
Availability of RT Demo Systems
RapidM offers a straightforward and cost-effective solution for potential users to experience the RT System first-hand. For details on the available demonstration packages, visit this page. With convenient demonstration options, RapidM makes it easy to explore the capabilities of the RT system.
In-Country Field Evaluation of RT Products
RapidM understands the importance of conducting a thorough field evaluation before making equipment decisions. We have established a network of value-added resellers (VARs) in many countries worldwide, equipped with demonstration equipment, marketing materials, and technical documentation. These VARs can assist in conducting field evaluations and demonstrations of RT products. Additionally, RapidM representatives can be made available to provide on-site assistance during evaluations, ensuring thorough support throughout the decision-making process.
On-Site and Off-Site Training by RapidM
To ensure users are well-equipped to operate the RT system, RapidM provides tailored training programs for end users, resellers, and system integrators. Drawing on years of experience and comprehensive documentation, training sessions can be conducted at RapidM’s premises in Pretoria, South Africa, or a preferred in-country location. This flexibility allows RapidM to effectively meet the unique training needs of each client.
RT Language Support
The RT devices are designed to support multiple languages, utilising voice prompts and customisable keyboard and user interface text changes. The system can be adapted to accommodate various languages upon request, ensuring usability for a diverse range of users.
For inquiries about specific language support, please contact RapidM directly.
Long-Term Support
We are committed to providing long-term support for our RT systems, which have been successfully deployed for many years. Each RT product comes with a minimum support lifetime of 10 years, which can be extended based on customer requirements. Additionally, all RT equipment is backed by a minimum warranty of 24 months. With this dedication to durability and reliability, our RT system offers a product life of 10 years or more, ensuring that it meets the evolving demands of our customers over time.
RapidM Representation at Global Events
RapidM actively participates in military defence exhibitions worldwide, providing an excellent opportunity to explore our range of products in person. In addition to our comprehensive online product showcase, these events allow attendees to see our latest products and solutions up close. For specific information about upcoming exhibitions and opportunities to connect with our team, please contact RapidM directly.