The RM10 Wideband SDM & ALE is a wideband data modem designed for beyond line-of-sight (BLOS) data communications, capable of operating in wideband channels exceeding 3 kHz in the high frequency (HF) or shortwave band. While it is primarily used by navies and coast guards, the RM10 is also widely used by governmental and commercial organisations for strategic and maritime communications. Its robust design also supports transcontinental, transoceanic, and maritime data communication, ensuring reliable radio links over thousands of kilometers, even in satellite-denied environments.
Applications
Thanks to its compact form factor and broad environmental specifications, the RM10 is ideal for installation on various naval and maritime platforms, including surface vessels, submarines, and aircraft. Additionally, the RM10 can be deployed in high-power NATO shore stations, such as those using BRASS, BRE1TA, and BRIPES configurations.Product Family and Longevity
The RM10 is part of a family of 19-inch rack-mount units, including the RC10 and RI10, designed to provide MIL-STD-188-110 wideband (WB) capability via the STANAG 5066 WB ARQ. This shared hardware platform ensures a 10-year product lifecycle with 20 years of spares availability.MIL-STD-188-110D/STANAG 5069 Waveforms
The RM10 supports WBHF data modems compliant with MIL-STD-188-110C Appendix D (110D) and STANAG 5069. These modems offer waveforms across bandwidths from 3 kHz to 24 kHz in 3 kHz increments, with user data rates ranging from 75 bps to 120 kbps. These data rates are achievable in blue water locations and when using high-power base stations.
The 110C waveforms include a redesigned 3 kHz mode, capable of supporting data rates up to 16,000 bps (256-QAM), a significant improvement over the 9,600 bps (64-QAM) capability of 110B. This enhanced performance makes the RM10 a compelling choice for 3 kHz channel operations. Additionally, the RM10's software suite includes all narrowband HF modem waveforms from the RM8 product.
Software Activation Keys:
W1: MS110D and STANAG 5069, Blocks 1, 2 and 3
M1: MS110B and MS110B-F
MIL-STD-188-141D WALE/4G ALE - Software Option
The RM10 offers wideband automatic link establishment (WALE) or fourth generation (4G) ALE as a software option, compliant with MIL-STD-188-141D Appendices G and H. The WALE/4G ALE controller facilitates fast and deep WBHF link setup by dynamically adjusting the bandwidth and frequency offset to minimise interference and optimise throughput.
This option also includes 3G and 2G ALE functionalities, with the ability to simultaneously search for 4G, 3G, and 2G ALE signals at the 3G scan rate. The RM10's integrated link setup engine manages the protocols, addresses, and traffic types for different ALE generations, enabling a smooth transition to 4G ALE equipment in existing networks.ALE Split-Site Capability
In NATO and other shore stations, where transmitter and receiver sites are separated by tens of kilometers to reduce self-interference, the RM10 operates in a 'split-site' mode. This allows the transmitting modem to be co-located with the radio transmitter and the receiving modem with the radio receiver. The modems work cooperatively, exchanging information related to the various ALE protocols (2G, 3G, and 4G).WB Packet Data Waveform Family – Software Option
In littoral waters where powerline modems cause high levels of man-made noise, packet data waveforms become essential for maintaining communication. The RM10's proprietary WB-RDL modems, available as a software option, are designed to operate well below the noise floor, handling signal-to-noise ratios as low as double-digit negatives. These modems are particularly effective in BLOS communications in high-latitude and polar regions where satellite communications are limited or unavailable.
The RM10's WB-RDL waveforms and protocols are integrated with the WALE controller, enabling link setup and dynamic bandwidth negotiation for both forward and reverse traffic channels. This ensures robust communication even in the most challenging environments, such as those with SNR below 0 dB, or areas experiencing severe interference.
V/UHF Data Waveforms for STANAG 4691 – Software Option
The RM10 also supports V/UHF data modems compliant with NATO STANAG 4691 Annex B, available as a software option. These modems provide data rates between 12,800 bps and 96,000 bps within a 25 kHz audio bandwidth, typically using AM modulation with a UHF transceiver. The waveforms have been extended to support a narrower 20 kHz audio bandwidth to accommodate legacy V/UHF radios, ensuring compatibility with older systems.