OMNI-DIRECTIONAL AND HIGH GAIN ON THE HORIZON
L3Harris’ MARA-NEXT is the next generation of the highly successful MARA-LITE that is currently deployed with special operations forces (SOF) units. Operating in the 1300-2600 MHz L/S band, the new MARA-NEXT supports intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) video and voice communications on the high-band side of L3Harris’ AN/PRC-163 radio. Like its predecessor, MARA-NEXT creates a hybrid polarization using linear and right hard circular polarized (RHCP) elements to create a three-dimensional hemispherical pattern with full 360-degree azimuthal and 180-degree elevation coverage. When deployed as a mobile air relay antenna in a TSMx mobile ad hoc network (MANET) system, MARA-NEXT maintains voice communications at ranges up to 26 miles within line of site (LOS) and supports streaming of full motion video. MARA-NEXT is well suited for a variety of missions and applications, especially for use with relay or terminal nodes in MANET systems. With full azimuthal and elevation coverage, the warfighter can maintain clear LOS communications without regard to antenna orientation or terrain elevation. In addition, the hybrid polarization allows users to communicate with RHCP satellite systems that operate within the applicable frequency band.
