Parakeet is a secure Battlefield Telecommunications Network (BTN) currently in service with the Australian Defence Force. BAE Systems Australia provided the system which provides users located at formation and logistic headquarters with secure and non-secure voice, secure telegraph, data and facsimile services.
- The BTN consists of an interconnected network of mobile trunk nodes, comprising communication equipment assemblages mounted on the 2 tonne 6x6 Land Rover single and dual cab vehicles and some dismounted equipment assemblages transported by helicopter into the area of operations.
- Each assemblage performs a specific function such as circuit switching, radio relay, communications control; and when interconnected form a high capacity, secure communications network providing a comprehensive range of services for subscribers.
- Parakeet equipment conforms to the EUROCOM Tactical Communications Basic Parameters (D/1), which mandates data rate and modulation standards to ensure interoperability between allied communications systems.
- The SATCOM Terminal Assemblage (STA) provided under Phase 6 is capable of providing RS-422 trunks to carry computer and other types of data signals. This allows the connection of systems such as the Battlefield Command Support System (BCSS) and extend strategic data networks into the tactical environment.
