RM12 Wideband SDM & ALE – 48 kHz

The RM12 Wideband SDM & ALE is a wideband data modem designed for beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) data communications. Designed to operate in wideband channels exceeding 3 kHz within the high-frequency (HF) or shortwave band, it is an essential solution for navies, coast guards, and other governmental and commercial organisations engaged in strategic and maritime communications. Its robust design ensures reliable radio links over thousands of kilometers, making it ideal for transcontinental, transoceanic, and maritime operations—even in satellite-denied environments.

Applications

Featuring a compact form factor and robust environmental specifications, the RM12 is ideal for deployment across diverse naval and maritime platforms, including surface vessels, submarines, and aircraft. It is equally well-suited for high-power NATO shore stations employing configurations like BRASS, BRE1TA, and BRIPES. Building on the capabilities of the RM10, the RM12 offers support for data modem and ALE operations across a wide bandwidth range of 3 to 48 kHz.

Product Family and Longevity

The RM12 belongs to a family of 19-inch rack-mount units, including the RC12 and RI12, designed to deliver STANAG 5069 and MIL-STD-188-110 wideband (WB) capability via the STANAG 5066 WB ARQ. Built on a shared hardware platform, the RM12 guarantees a 15-year product lifecycle and 20 years of spares availability, ensuring long-term reliability and support.

MIL-STD-188-110D/STANAG 5069 Waveforms

The RM12 supports wideband HF data modems compliant with MIL-STD-188-110D Appendix D and STANAG 5069, offering user data rates from 75 bps to 240 kbps across bandwidths ranging from 3 kHz to 48 kHz. These data rates are achievable in blue-water locations and high-power base stations.

The 110D waveforms feature an enhanced 3 kHz mode, capable of delivering data rates up to 16 kbps (256-QAM)—a significant improvement over the 9.6 kbps (64-QAM) capability of the 110B standard. This enhanced performance positions the RM12 as a compelling solution for 3 kHz channel operations. Furthermore, the RM12 maintains compatibility with narrowband HF modem waveforms from the RM8 and RM10 products.

MIL-STD-188-141D WALE/4G ALE

The RM12 features wideband automatic link establishment (WALE) and fourth generation (4G) ALE capabilities, compliant with MIL-STD-188-141D Appendices G and H. These advanced features enable fast and deep WBHF link setups by dynamically adjusting the bandwidth and frequency offsets to minimise interference and optimise throughput.

In addition to 4G ALE, 2G and 3G ALE protocols and waveforms are also included, allowing simultaneous scanning and link establishment for 4G, 3G, and 2G ALE signals at the 3G scan rate. The RM12’s integrated link setup engine manages protocols, addresses, and traffic types for different ALE generations, enabling a smooth transition to 4G ALE equipment within existing network infrastructures.

ALE Split-Site Capability

In NATO and similar shore stations, where transmitter and receiver sites are separated by significant distances to reduce self-interference, the RM12 operates in a split-site mode. This configuration enables the transmitting modem to be co-located with the radio transmitter and the receiving modem with the radio receiver. These modems work collaboratively to support 2G, 3G, and 4G ALE protocols, ensuring efficient and reliable communication across the network.

Packet Data Waveform Family

In littoral waters, where powerline modems generate significant man-made noise, packet data waveforms are critical for maintaining reliable communication. These waveforms are particularly advantageous for BLOS operations in high-latitude and polar regions, where satellite connectivity is limited or unavailable.

The RM12’s integration of STANAG 4538 waveforms with the WALE controller ensures seamless link setup and dynamic bandwidth negotiation for both forward and reverse traffic channels. This advanced capability enables robust communication even in the most demanding environments, such as those with signal-to-noise ratios below 0 dB or areas affected by severe interference.