SATURN: The next generation radio for NATO

The Second Generation Antijam Tactical UHF Radio for NATO (SATURN) system is described along with the URC-126 radio which will meet SATURN requirements when it enters production for the USAF. As its name implies, the system approach was jointly developed with NATO countries as STANAG 4372. It is designed to meet UHF Voice and data communication requirements into the next century. The URC-126 radio will replace the ARC-164, and is being developed by the USAF as part of its Have Quick antijam program. The URC-126 will be the first of several SATURN radios. It has completed Full Scale Engineering Development and Qualification Testing using the USAF Have Quick 2A Fast Frequency Hopping (FFH) mode which is a precursor of SATURN. Production radios will have the full SATURN capability. The AF has also developed and qualified the GRC-234 which uses the Have Quick 2A FFH mode. Additionally, a SATURN radio is now in development for the European Fighter Aircraft (EFA).