AN ARC-220: Advance High Frequency Aircraft Communications System

The AN/ARC-220 products are available on General Services Administration (GSA) Contract No. GS-35F-5926H to all U.S. Federal Agencies.

The AN/ARC-220 is an easy-to-operate, multifunctional, fully digital signal processing (DSP) high frequency radio intended for airborne applications. Advanced communications features made possible by DSP technology include embedded Automatic Link Establishment (ALE), Serial Tone Data Modem, and Anti-jam (ECCM) functions.

In addition to offering enhanced voice communications capabilities, the AN/ARC-220 is an advanced data communications system capable of providing reliable digital connectivity. When interfaced to aircraft GPS equipment, the AN/ARC-220 provides a reliable, low cost method of providing aircraft situation awareness to Aviation commanders on the ground by automatically transmitting digital data position reports at specified intervals. The position data can be secured via external COMSEC equipment, such as KY-100 or DVP-200.

The Rockwell Collins AN/ARC-220 Advanced HF Aircraft Communications System is applicable for a variety of tactical rotary wing and fixed wing airborne applications. The AN/VRC-100 is the ground and vehicular version of the AN/ARC-220 and offers identical capabilities. In cases where space for the VRC-100 is an issue, the ARC-220 is also occasionally utilized in vehicular shelter and transportable shelter applications. At the ground communications site, the AN/VRC-100 or AN/ARC-220 system is routinely used in conjunction with the US Army’s HF Tracker™ PC software to provide situation awareness to the Aviation commander. HF Tracker displays received aircraft position reports on a FalconView™ digital map, and it also provides a user friendly text messaging interface to the radio.

The AN/ARC-220 allows communications on any one of 280,000 frequencies in the High Frequency (HF) band from 2.0000 to 29.9999 MHz. Upper Sideband (USB) voice/data, Lower Sideband (LSB) voice/data, Amplitude Modulation Equivalent (AME), Continuous Wave (CW) emission modes are provided. Communication is possible using either simplex or half-duplex operation. The AN/ARC-220 also includes an integrated data modem which enables digital data communication in noisy environments where voice communications are often not possible. The AN/ARC-220 was specifically designed for use with external COMSEC equipment, such as the KY-100, to allow for seamless secure digital voice and data operation. GPS position reports, text messages, and binary messages may be secured. Up to 25 free text data messages can be pre-programmed via data fill or created/edited in real time. Received data messages can be stored for later viewing and retransmission if desired. Built-in integration with external GPS units, such as ASN-128B/D, DAGR or PLGR, allow position data reports to be sent with the push of a button. With the AN/ARC-220(V)3 & (V)4, Position Reports can automatically be transmitted at specified time intervals. The AN/ARC-220(V)3 & (V)4 also provide the capability to transmit binary messages up to 4kb each. Long-range wireless E-mail and Internet connectivity is possible when used in conjunction with Rockwell Collins HF Messenger™ software.

In addition to conventional HF communications, the AN/ARC-220 provides MIL-STD-188-141B Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) capability. ALE makes HF radio operation easier and is like using a cell phone to place calls. The radio operator chooses a station address and begins a call. DSP circuits produce ALE signals to automatically establish a communications link. ALE maintains a database of channel signal conditions and automatically establishes a 2-way communication link on the best available frequency. After establishing a link, the operator is alerted and communication can begin. ALE Linking Protection (LP) is also provided which prevents unauthorized link establishment and ALE jamming. The AN/ARC-220 is also the first radio to be fielded featuring MIL-STD-188-141B Appendix A Alternative Quick Call (AQC) ALE. This advanced protocol/waveform reduces ALE over-the-air call time by up to 50% over conventional 2nd generation ALE. This results in significantly reduced ALE network sounding and linking overhead which greatly increases HF channel availability and capacity.

Datafill may be provided by any of the following: a DS-101D interface (supporting the AN/CYZ-10 or the Simple Key Loader), an EIA-232C interface (Rockwell’s HF-CPS™ or ARC-220 HF-CPS™ mission planning software), or a MIL-STD-1553 interface (supporting a DR-200 data receptacle). This allows mission data (e.g., frequencies, scan lists, hop sets, pre-stored messages) to be loaded into the system with a minimum of effort, allowing the operator to quickly reinitialize the Receiver/Transmitter for rapidly changing situations. Keyfill for TRANSEC is performed using a separate DS-101D port. The AM-7531/URC main control software resides in the RT-1749 and is re-programmable, facilitating convenient software field upgrades. Receiver-Transmitter OFP software updates can be made via the MIL-STD-1553B bus.

Radio Set Control C-12436/URC provides the AN/ARC-220 operator interface. It was specifically designed for a helicopter environment where the pilot has minimal time for "eyes in cockpit". Rotary switches allow the operator to select the operational function, mode, volume, and preset net. Push-button switches adjust squelch, display lighting, and select and edit displayed data. A six-line alphanumeric display provides system status and advisory data. The display and panel lighting are NVG compatible. Three line-select switches on the right side of the display let the operator choose various options. The options, such as EDIT, MSG, POSN, or BIT, are displayed beside the switches. The radio set control internal power supply operates from the +28 V dc aircraft power. Electrical connections between radio set control, receiver-transmitter, and PA coupler are provided by connectors on rear of unit. The Data Fill and Key Fill bulkhead connectors located on the front panel are used to load mission planning data.

The receiver-transmitter (RT-1749/URC or RT-1749A/URC) transmits and receives signals in the 2.0000- to 29.9999-MHz band. Receiver-transmitter transmit power output is 100 mW nominal. The receiver-transmitter uses a microprocessor to perform all ALE, ECCM (optional), and modem functions. Radio Receiver-Transmitter RT-1749/URC or RT-1749A/URC also provides the electrical interface with other AN/ARC-220 LRU’s and associated aircraft systems such as interphone, GPS, and secure voice/data systems. All external electrical connections are provided by connectors on front of unit. The receiver-transmitter provides EIA-232C and MIL-STD-1553B serial data control ports to accommodate various system configurations. The internal power supply operates from +28 V dc aircraft power.

Memory within the receiver-transmitter stores datafill, and preprogrammed data messages. An external 6 V to 24 V dc power source should be connected to the receiver-transmitter to enable retention of clock, datafill, and data message information when main power is removed from the system. Power required to retain clock and memory data is approximately 1 mA at 7.5 V dc.

The RT-1749A/URC version of the receiver transmitter does not contain the ECCM or ALE LP3 waveforms. However, it does offer automatic position reporting at specified intervals and a binary messaging function which allows the transfer of up to 4kb of data with ARQ. The 822-0788-003 version of the RT-1749A does not require external battery backup to retain mission datafill parameters.

Power Amplifier/Coupler AM-7531/URC provides an electrical interface with other AN/ARC-220 LRU’s and the antenna system. External electrical connections are provided by connectors on front of unit. A coaxial type HN antenna connector is located on rear of unit. The PA coupler functions as both a power amplifier and an antenna coupler. The PA coupler provides three output power levels: high (100 W average; 175 W PEP), medium (50 W PEP and average), and low (10 W PEP and average). Antenna coupler circuits provide impedance matching between the power amplifier output and the transmit antenna, which enables maximum power transfer to the antenna. The PA coupler is digitally tuned under control of the receiver-transmitter microprocessor. First time tuning is usually completed in 1 second. The receiver-transmitter stores tuning data for previously tuned frequencies. Stored tuning data reduces future tuning time (to typically 35 ms) when a frequency is used again. Three circuit breakers on the AM-7531 front panel provide +28 V dc power over current protection for the receiver-transmitter, radio set control, and PA coupler. The PA coupler internal power supply operates from +28 V dc aircraft power.

The receiver-transmitter and power amplifier/coupler are typically hard mounted in rotorcraft applications and utilize shock isolated mounts in fixed wing applications.

General

Frequency	2.0000 - 29.9999 MHz in 100-Hz steps
Channels	20 user programmable simplex or half-duplex
	20 programmable simplex or half-duplex
	20 programmable automatic link establishment (ALE) scan lists
	12 programmable ECCM hop sets (RT-1749 only)
Frequency Stability	3.3 x 10^-7over operating temperature range
Emission Modes	USB & LSB-voice and data, CW, and AME
ALE	IAW MIL-STD-188-141B Appendix A and MIL-STD-188-141B Appendix A AQC-ALE JITC certified 26 July 2002
ALE Linking Protection	ALE Linking Protection AL1, AL2, & AL3 (MIL-STD-188-141B Appendix B)
ECCM	IAW MIL-STD-188-148A - JITC certified 18 July 2002
Modem	IAW MIL-STD-188-110B and STANAG 4285 - JITC certified 18 July 2002
Power Requirements	+28 V dc per MIL-STD-704
Mission Data Backup Battery Input	+6 VDC to +24 VDC
RT-1749/URC & RT-1749A/URC	50 W (max)
C-12436/URC	50 W (max)
AM-7531/URC	450 W (max)
Reliability	2000 Hrs MTBF minimum
Fault Isolation/Detection	95% LRU Fault Detection
	98% fault isolation (LRU level)
Mechanical
RT-1749/URC & RT-1749A/URC	14.00 in x 4.15 in x 7.65 in (L x W x H); 13.0 lb
AM-7531/URC	16.85 in x 6.31 in x 7.28 in (L x W x H); 18.75 lb
C-12436/URC	8.02 in x 5.75 in x 4.50 in (L x W x H); 5.00 lb
Field Re-programmable
Mission Data	DS-101, RS-232, MIL-STD-1553B
TRANSEC Keys (RT-1749 Only)	DS-101 (Compatible with AN/CYZ-10 or SKL)
Software (OFP)	IAW MIL-STD-2217
Receive
Characteristics	IAW MIL-STD-188-141A
Sensitivity	-111 dBm signal for 10 dB (S+N/N)
Transmit
Characteristics	IAW MIL-STD-188-141A
Power Output	3 levels: 175 W pep (100 W Avg)
	50 W Avg
	10 W Avg
Tune Time	1 sec nominal, 5 sec max
Antennas	Shorted Loop, Open Loop, Open Wire, & 50-ohm Resistive
Control
Display	Monochrome passive LCD; 6 lines of 21 characters
Text Message Size	500 characters maximum(transmit or receive)
Character Size	0.2 inches high
NVG Compatible	IAW MIL-L-85762F
Alternate Control	Via MIL-STD-1553B or EIA-232
Interfaces
Audio Voice	0 or +17 dBm (50 mW) max, 150 ohm balanced Interoperable with ICS C-6533, C-10414, & C-11746
Audio Data	1 mW (0 dBm), 600 ohm balanced
Secure Operation Secure Voice and Data with KY-100	Compatible with KY-100 (AIRTERM), USC-43 (TACTERM), VP-116, and DVP-200
Data Terminal Interfaces	Synchronous serial data interface to embedded modem, synchronous serial data interface to radio message center, and synchronous serial data interface to external data source through internal data switch. Compatible with KY-100
Data Sources	1553, EIA-232, ASN-128 or DAGR GPS (Time & Position), HF Messenger™
Environmental
Operating Temp	-40 to +55 °C
Storage Temp	-51 to +85 °C
Altitude	25,000 ft maximum
Humidity	95%
Vibration	2.5 g
Shock	Operational: 20 g, Crash Safety: 40 g
EMI	MIL-STD-461D

Type Number	Description	Part Number
RT-1749/URC	Receiver Transmitter	822-0788-001 NSN: 5821-01-413-4236
RT-1749A/URC	Receiver Transmitter (w/o ECCM and NSA AL3)	822-0788-003
AM-7531/URC	Power Amplifier/Coupler	822-0787-001 NSN: 5996-01-415-8673
C-12436/URC	Control Display Unit	822-0786-001 NSN: 5821-01-413-4234
MT-7109/ARC-220(V)	Receiver Transmitter Mount (shock isolated)	822-0792-001
MT-7108/ARC-220(V)	Receiver Transmitter Mount (non-isolated)	822-0791-001 NSN: 5975-01-445-6169
MT-7107/ARC-220(V)	Power Amplifier/Coupler Mount (shock isolated)	822-0790-001 NSN: 5975-01-445-6167
MT-7106/ARC-220(V)	Power Amplifier/Coupler Mount (non-isolated)	822-0789-001 NSN: 5975-01-445-6162
NTN	ARC-220 System Mating Connector Kit	752-7727-00X
AN/ARC-220(V)1	HF System consisting of:	822-0831-001 NSN: 5821-01-413-4233
	Receiver Transmitter (RT-1749/URC)	NSN: 5821-01-413-4236
	Power Amplifier/Coupler (AM-7531/URC)	NSN: 5996-01-413-8673
	Control Display Unit (C-12436/URC)	NSN: 5821-01-413-4234
AN/ARC-220(V)2	HF System consisting of:	822-0831-002 NSN: 5821-01-413-4232
	Receiver Transmitter (RT-1749/URC)	NSN: 5821-01-413-4236
	Power Amplifier/Coupler (AM-7531/URC)	NSN: 5996-01-413-8673
AN/ARC-220(V)3	HF System consisting of:	822-0831-005
	Receiver Transmitter (RT-1749A/URC)	822-0788-003
	Power Amplifier/Coupler (AM-7531/URC)	NSN: 5996-01-413-8673
	Control Display Unit (C-12436/URC)	NSN: 5821-01-413-4234
AN/ARC-220(V)4	HF System consisting of:	822-0831-006
	Receiver Transmitter (RT-1749A/URC)	822-0788-003
	Power Amplifier/Coupler (AM-7531/URC)	NSN: 5996-01-413-8673
ARC-220 HF-CPS	User Friendly ARC-220 Mission Planning Software	811-0368-001
AN/ ARC-220	Technical Prod. Support man-day rate at Rockwell Collins Facility	NPN, MDR
AN/ ARC-220	Technical Product Support, hourly rate onsite CONUS	NPN, TPS-HR

Product Information Material is available at no charge and can be obtained by contacting GS Customer Relations