// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM

Frequency Hopping

Frequency hopping is a method of sending radio signals where the transmitter rapidly switches between many different radio channels in a random or pseudo-random pattern. This makes it much harder for enemies to listen in, block the signal, or even detect that a transmission is happening.

Frequency Hopping — illustration from Wikipedia
Image via Wikipedia

TECHNICAL DEFINITION

Frequency hopping is a spread-spectrum technique used in radio communications, fundamental to Electronic Warfare (EW), where a radio transmitter rapidly changes its carrier frequency across a wide range of predetermined or pseudo-random channels to mitigate jamming, enhance signal security, and reduce the probability of interception and detection (LPI/LPD).

BACKGROUND

AN/PRC 113 Radio Set is a manpack, portable VHF and UHF AM combat radio transceiver manufactured by Magnavox America.

READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIA

SYNONYMS & ALIASES

  • FHSS
  • channel hopping
  • frequency agile
  • spectrum hopping

USAGE NOTE

It is widely used in military tactical radios, such as SINCGARS, and data links to ensure robust and secure communications in contested electromagnetic environments.

DEVELOPERS

Organizations developing technology related to Frequency Hopping.

  • L3Harris Technologies

    L3Harris is a major developer of advanced secure communication systems, including tactical radios that heavily utilize frequency hopping for anti-jamming capabilities and resilient communication in contested environments. Their products are critical for military forces worldwide.

  • RTX Corporation (formerly Raytheon)

    RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies) develops sophisticated electronic warfare systems, secure communication devices, and tactical radios. Frequency hopping is a fundamental technology integrated into their solutions to ensure reliable and secure data and voice transmission for military applications.

  • Northrop Grumman

    Northrop Grumman provides a wide range of defense technologies, including advanced communication systems and electronic warfare solutions. Their work includes developing and integrating frequency hopping capabilities into various platforms to enhance signal resilience and security against adversarial jamming.

  • General Dynamics Mission Systems

    General Dynamics Mission Systems is a leading provider of secure communications, computing solutions, and tactical radios for military customers. They are known for developing systems like SINCGARS, which extensively use frequency hopping for secure, jam-resistant tactical voice and data communications.

  • BAE Systems

    BAE Systems is a multinational defense and aerospace company that develops secure communications, electronic warfare systems, and advanced radios for military applications. Their technologies incorporate frequency hopping to protect communications from interception and jamming.

  • Thales Group

    Thales Group is a global technology leader in aerospace, defense, and security. They develop secure communication solutions, including tactical radios and satellite communication systems, that integrate advanced frequency hopping techniques to ensure robust and resilient connectivity for military forces.

  • Rohde & Schwarz

    Rohde & Schwarz is a leading developer of secure communication systems, particularly software-defined radios for tactical military communications. Their products leverage frequency hopping algorithms to provide high resistance against jamming and interception, critical for battlefield operations.

  • U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL)

    As the U.S. Army's corporate research laboratory, ARL conducts foundational and applied research into advanced communication technologies. This includes developing and evaluating frequency hopping techniques and related anti-jamming technologies to enhance military communication robustness and security.

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