Military organisations worldwide maintain extensive collections of older radio equipment that fail to satisfy the requirements of current digital operations. These legacy systems represent significant investments, yet lack the digital capabilities, security standards, and connectivity essential for modern military communications.
The traditional approach involves wholesale fleet replacement with substantial costs and operational disruption. However, there’s also a more cost-effective solution that preserves existing investments while delivering modern capabilities.
CNHF Evolve is a new solution that boosts the performance of existing HF and VHF radios while ensuring interoperability between legacy systems from different manufacturers.
It enables traditional radio networks to be upgraded into a secure, digital communication environment – extending system lifespan without replacing fully functional equipment.
“CNHF Evolve upgrades your existing HF and VHF radios, turning them into secure digital communication systems. It also connects with CNHF radios and lets legacy radios from different manufacturers talk to each other digitally.”
Summary:
- CNHF Evolve modernises legacy HF and VHF radios by transforming voice-only systems into secure digital communication platforms with advanced capabilities.
- The system provides seamless wireless connectivity with KNL’s CNHF radio systems (CNHF1 and CNHF Manpack) for unified network operations.
- CNHF Evolve enables digital networking between legacy radios from different manufacturers and eras, creating cohesive communication networks from previously incompatible equipment.e.
CNHF Evolve brings legacy radios into the digital age
Current equipment is a significant investment for organisations, and CNHF Evolve ensures they continue delivering value. The system preserves the value of existing HF and VHF assets by ensuring they meet the requirements of modern military radios.
“Upgrading existing radios is crucial due to their vital role in current operations.”
Modern operations require digital data transmission, secure voice systems, interoperability, and situational awareness capabilities.
“Through CNHF Evolve, users can obtain these modern digital features for their existing radios without replacing entire communication infrastructures.”
The system operates independently of GNSS and SATCOM networks, ensuring reliable communications even when satellite connections are compromised or unavailable, while enabling seamless integration between radios from different manufacturers.
Benefits of CNHF Evolve in short
- Extends equipment lifecycle – prevents functional radios from disposal or storage
- Works with many legacy radios from different eras
- Integrates with various modern military radios from other manufacturers
- Complete, ready-to-use solution with built-in protocol stack and user services
- Easy to use Web UI with built-in email and messaging applications
- IP, SMTP and XMPP interfaces for C4ISR integration
- No separate software required – eliminates the need for additional components
- Transforms voice-only systems into digital platforms
- Operates independently of GNSS and SATCOM networks
Key technical specifications
- Dimensions: 110mm high x 173mm wide x 37.5mm deep
- Weight: approximately 750g when using batteries
- Operating temperature: -40 to +55°C
- Standards: MIL-STD-810H and MIL-STD-461G
- A Linux-based system with software update capability
- Multiple connectivity options: USB-C, Ethernet, WiFi, LTE, analogue handset
The foundation of effective military communications
Traditionally, military communications have operated through separate systems where each manufacturer developed proprietary protocols and waveforms. This fragmentation creates operational silos that prevent effective coordination between allied forces and different units within the same organisation.
The challenge intensifies when organisations operate mixed equipment fleets spanning multiple generations and vendors. Without seamless connection, even the most advanced individual systems remain isolated. Meanwhile, older but fully functional radios risk premature retirement simply due to compatibility issues.
CNHF Evolve enables legacy radios to connect with CNHF systems (CNHF1 and CNHF Manpack) and communicate with other legacy radio platforms, extending the operational lifecycle of existing equipment.
“Military communication technology evolves rapidly, but choosing the right modernisation solution ensures your investment remains valuable for years. CNHF Evolve provides organisations with a cost-effective approach to upgrade equipment while ensuring security and connectivity across diverse radio platforms.”
The Linux-based platform ensures continuous updates and new capabilities, making CNHF Evolve a strategic long-term investment that won’t become obsolete.
“CNHF Evolve functions as an efficient present-day solution and represents a strategic long-term financial commitment.”
CNHF Evolve is a strategic long-term investment that won’t become obsolete
User-friendly design meets military-grade security
Modern military operations require advanced digital capabilities and strict security standards. This is where KNL takes the lead with advanced technical features that combine ease of use with uncompromising security.
“CNHF Evolve transforms old radios into a simple solution – bringing modern battlefield capabilities to any compatible radio system.”
CNHF Evolve delivers a complete, user-friendly solution with a built-in protocol stack and user services, eliminating the need for separate software or additional components.
The system transforms HF or VHF radios into digital communication devices, complete with built-in webmail and instant messaging clients that allow users to exchange emails with attachments, send voice messages, and share additional content.
Security remains the highest priority in all system functions. CNHF Evolve implements AES256 encryption with automatic key changes, secure boot, signed software, encrypted data storage, and zeroize functionality.
To support operational and situational awareness, Evolve features IP, SMTP, and XMPP interfaces. These enable radio systems to integrate directly with broader C4ISR infrastructures – ensuring secure, real-time information flow across the battlespace.
Lastly, CNHF Robust Mode waveform features asynchronous GNSS-independent Automatic Link Establishment (ALE), ensuring seamless communication even when GNSS signals are disrupted. It is crucial for maintaining operations during infrastructure challenges or electromagnetic environments, making it a reliable alternative to conventional satellite-dependent systems
Take the next step in military radio modernisation
Looking to modernise your military radio systems? Get in touch with our team to find out how CNHF Evolve could work with your equipment and whether it’s compatible with your current setup.
CNHF Evolve gives existing radios new capabilities and extends their useful life. If you’re planning a bigger communication overhaul, you might also want to look at our dedicated CNHF radio systems, which offer the full range of cognitive radio features.