SINCGARS Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System ( SINCGARS ) is a Combat Net Radio ( CNR ) currently used by U . S . and allied military forces . The radios , which handle voice and data communications , are designed to be reliable , secure and easily maintained . Vehicle - mount , backpack , airborne , and handheld form factors are available . SINCGARS uses 25 kHz channels in the VHF FM band , from 30 to 87 . 975 MHz . It has single - frequency and frequency hopping modes . The frequency - hopping mode hops 111 times a second . The SINCGARS family has mostly replaced the Vietnam - war - era synthesized single frequency radios ( AN / PRC - 77 and AN / VRC - 12 ) , although it can work with them . An aircraft AN / ARC - 201 SINCGARS radio is phasing out the older tactical air - to - ground radios ( AN / ARC - 114 and AN / ARC - 131 ) . Over 570 , 000 SINCGARS radios have been purchased . There have been several system improvement programs , including the Integrated Communications Security ( ICOM ) models , which have provided integrated voice and data encryption , the Special Improvement Program ( SIP ) models , which add additional data modes , and the Advanced SIP ( ASIP ) models , which are less than half the size and weight of ICOM and SIP models and provided enhanced FEC ( Forward Error Correction ) data modes , RS - 232 asynchronous data , Packet Data formats , and direct interfacing to GPS ( PLGR ) devices providing radio level Situational Awareness capability . In 1992 , the U . S . Air Force awarded a contract to replace the AN / ARC - 188 for communications between Air Force aircraft and Army units . Ancillary Items . SideHat - The Exelis SideHat is a simple radio solution that quickly attaches to existing SINCGARS radio installations , offering rapid , affordable and interoperable wideband network communications for Early Infantry Brigade Combat Team ( E - IBCT ) deployments and other SRW applications . SINCGARS Airborne - The Exelis AN / ARC - 201 Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System ( SINCGARS ) System Improvement Program ( SIP ) airborne radio is a reliable , field - proven voice and data battlespace communications system with networking capabilities . SINCGARS Embedded GPS Receiver - The Exelis Selective Availability Antispoofing Module ( SAASM ) technology Embedded GPS Receiver ( EGR ) installed in the SINCGARS RT - 1523 ( E ) - ( F ) provides a unique navigation / communication secure system in support of critical Warfighter capabilities that includes Situational Awareness , Combat ID , Navigation and Timing and Surveying Capabilities . SINCGARS GPS FanOut System - Provides six GPS formats from a single GPS source ( SINCGARS RT - 1523 with integrated SAASM GPS or PLGR / DAGR ) . SINCGARS VRCU - Designed to be placed anywhere on a vehicle , VRCU is critically important in large vehicles and those with tight quarters . VRCU allows full control of both single and dual RT - 1523 ( models E , F , and G ) and RT - 1702 ( models E and F ) radios for ease of use from any location within a vehicle . Single ASIP Radio Mount - Single ASIP Radio Mount or SARM is the latest SINCGARS vehicle installation mount developed specifically for RT - 1523 or RT - 1702 radios . SARM solves the space and weight claim issues associated with traditional vehicle installation mounts . SARM operates on 12 or 24 volt allowing easy installation into any military or civilian vehicle . Integrated Logistics Support . Reset and Reintegration Program Logistics Services Repair Depot The Exelis Repair Depot takes bruised and battered equipment and makes it as good as new delivering the best equipment possible back to Soldiers on the front line . Exelis Depot Capabilities Integrated Supply Chain Using parts from our high volume , on - hand inventory results in reduced cost and fewer lead time delays to the customer .