Lockheed Martin has begun integration of its airborne and maritime / fixed-station joint tactical radio system (AMF JTRS) with the AH-64D Longbow Apache helicopter.

The integration marks, for the first time, the beginning of an aircraft programme work on AMF JTRS software-defined radio interfaces.

AMF JTRS is an NSA certifiable type 1 encrypted, internet protocol communications network that will connect the US Navy, Army and Air Force platforms.

The network will enable joint warfighters to share real-time voice, video and data communications.

The integration is in support of upcoming functional test flights and live fly demonstrations of the wideband networking waveform (WNW).

The functional test flights will demonstrate increased bandwidth, speed of situational awareness data and immediate information access from airborne platform sensors to ground-based units.