• Frequency: 2.0 to 29.0000 MHz
• Modes: USB, LSB, ISB, AM/AME, CW
• 400W peak/200W average
• Advanced High Efficiency Power Amplifier (HEPA) technology
• Integral high power bandpass filtering for SIMOP operation
• ALE: MIL-STD-188-141B
• Modem: MIL-STD-188-110B, Appendix C and F (Data rates up to 19.2 kbps)
• Embedded ARINC 714-6 SELCAL decoder
• High Frequency Data Link (HFDL) functionality (ARINC 753/635)

The HF-9500 400-Watt airborne multimode HF system is Rockwell Collins’ latest HF system featuring independent sideband (ISB) and simultaneous operation (SIMOP) capability in addition to the features expected of a high performance HF radio system. Embedded system functionality currently includes, MIL-STD-188-141B automatic link establishment (ALE), MIL-STD-188-110B data modem functionality, ARINC 714-6 SELCAL decoding, and compatibility with the requirements of MIL-STD-188-203-1A for Link 11 (TADIL A) data communications. The HF-9500 system employs digital signal processing (DSP) techniques and advanced high-efficiency power amplifier (HEPA) technology to minimize system size, weight, power consumption. The embedded features and compact design of the HF-9500 provide as much as 30% savings in size, weight, and cost compared to less robust HF system configurations.

The Rockwell Collins HF-9500 system includes the HF-9545 Antenna Coupler that efficiently tunes most HF airborne antennas, typically within one second. The learned preset tuning feature of the antenna coupler allows almost instantaneous tuning on frequencies previously tuned by the system. Tuning data is stored in the system's memory for each frequency and channel tuned. This data is recalled and used when that frequency is tuned again to minimize tuning time. The HF-9545 Antenna Coupler also provides an additional third pole of system selectivity which further enhances system RF signal purity, crucial for SIMOP applications.

The versatile control capabilities of the Rockwell Collins HF-9500 allow it to be installed in a variety of applications. Manual control of the system may be accomplished using the HF-9515 Control/Display Unit (CDU) or MIL-STD-1553 data bus. An EIA-232 control interface is also available to provide the system integrator with maximum system integration flexibility.

The HF-9500 HF radio system software can be updated through the radio’s MIL-STD-1553B serial control interface ensuring a cost-effective and renewable growth path to add emerging STANAG waveforms such as STANAG 4444, STANAG 4538, and STANAG 5511.

The HF-9550 Receiver Transmitter internal control software uses the Ada programming language and the software is contained in FLASH reprogrammable memory that is externally reprogrammable, facilitating convenient software field upgrades. Software updates can be accomplished via the MIL-STD-1553B bus utilizing the MIL-STD-2217 protocol.

The Rockwell Collins HF-9500 System is designed for integration into modern digital platforms. MIL-STD-188-114A modem interfaces provide the means to integrate the system with virtually all ancillary equipment including the Improved Data Modem (IDM) and Advanced Narrowband Digital Voice Terminal (ANDVT). Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) time interface allows for time acquisition. Configurations have been developed for the P-3, C-27J, A-310, EMB-145, and H400M.

The HFDL ground station broadcasts system management uplink data packets called "squitters" every 32 seconds on multiple fixed HF frequencies over the area of interest (for example, the North Atlantic oceanic flight corridor). The squitters on each of the frequencies are staggered by roughly 5 seconds and synchronized to Universal Time (UTC) to allow a quick search through the frequencies.

The frequency scanning HF-9500 receiver on the aircraft, monitors each ground station frequency and selects the one with the best propagating characteristics. Once a suitable frequency is found, the aircraft establishes a connection by sending a log-on message to the ground station and waiting for a log-on confirmation uplink before continuing. Having established a connection, the aircraft proceeds to send data on slots assigned to downlinks and receives data on slots reserved for uplinks from the ground station. Slot assignments and downlink acknowledgments are broadcast in the squitter.

An aircraft logged-on a particular frequency will continue to use that frequency until it fails to detect the squitters or when the ground station fails to acknowledge downlinks sent by the aircraft. At that point, the aircraft will again initiate a search for a new frequency and log-on the new frequency. The hand-off of the connection from one frequency to another and from one ground station to another is totally transparent to the user.

The use of time-division multiplexed slots allows a single ground station to process traffic to/from multiple aircraft. Each aircraft has a unique 24-bit ICAO address which positively identifies individual aircraft to the ground station.

To provide the HFDL function, the CP-2024 Automatic Communications Processor is integrated into the HF system. Due to the critical nature of the air traffic control (ATC) function, it is recommended that an HF-9500 system be dedicated to HFDL. This means that if voice capability is to be retained, the aircraft must have two HF-9500 systems available. If simultaneous operation (SIMOP) of the two HF systems is required, two HF antennas will be needed.

The HF-9515 control is required for systems not using MIL-STD-1553B data bus control. One control is required per system.

Support Offerings

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

Phone: 800-321-2223 or (319)-295-5100
Fax: (319)-295-4777
Email: <response@rockwellcollins.com>
Website: http://www.rockwellcollins.com/gs