17 June 2022

Eurosatory 2022: Thales designs Synaps-H Mission Module to support mobile ad hoc networks

by Andrew White

The mission module for Thales' Synaps-H handheld SDR enables interoperability with specialist MANET radios. (Andrew White)

Thales unveiled a new mission module for its handheld Synaps-H software defined radio (SDR) at Eurosatory 2022 defence exhibition.

Designed to extend levels in connectivity at the tactical edge, the clip-on device attaches to the back of the Synaps-H SDR, a lightweight very/ultra-high frequency (V/UHF) SDR designed for the commanders at the tactical level as part of a “collaborative combat” concept, according to Thales literature.

Synaps-H is the export variant of the handheld radio, which is in service with the French Army under the CONTACT programme.

According to Thales, the module provides dismounted personnel with dedicated interoperability capacity. The mission module achieves this by enabling Synaps-H accessibility to specialist mobile ad hoc network (MANET) waveforms.

“It's possible to add a backside mission module to extend the connectivity beyond Synaps networks and services,” documents explained.

Specifically, the mission module enables Synaps-H to communicate with SDRs operating TrellisWare Technologies' TSM wideband networking waveform across a MANET.

Examples include Thales' SquadNet SDR, which operates between 430–470 MHz and 865–880 MHz frequency bands and provides dismounted end-users with line-of-sight voice and data communications up to 2.5 km in range.

The Synaps-H mission module will also connect to TrellisWare Technologies' family of SDRs, which include the TW-135 Shadow HPR and TW-959/900 TSM Shadow; as well as L3Harris Technologies' AN/PRC-163 Next Generation Handheld and AN/PRC-167 Next Generation Manpack SDRs as selected by the US Special Operation Command.

SYNAPS-H already operates GeoMux HD, UHF Command, UHF Combat, and CNR waveforms.

Leveraging power from the Synaps-H, the mission module has been designed by Thales to “improve continuity of the command chain” at the tactical edge, a company spokesperson told

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