Raytheon has launched the Audio Connect Unit-5000 that provides the ability to connect a greater number of channels to enable seamless communication among first responders.

Designed for greater versatility, the Raytheon ACU-5000 can patch together 12 communications channels to create interoperability nets, similar to a conference call, across disparate devices. The nets can be local, or may include links through Internet Protocol to distant users and other authorized personnel.

"The ACU-5000 is a cost-effective solution for first responders looking to connect their current disparate communications systems and networks to the new 4G LTE (Fourth Generation Long Term Evolution) networks," said Bill Iannacci, director of Civil Communications, Raytheon Network Centric Systems. "Raytheon's ACU solution underscores our commitment to first responders by providing them with a flexible and easily configurable communications system to help them perform their jobs more effectively and safely."

The ACU-5000 supports 12 channels that can be individually configured to interface with radios, Voice over Internet Protocol and soft phones, public switched telephone network lines for connection to a standard telephone network, and Radio over Internet Protocol devices. The system also has a handset interface to assist setup and provide a local communications capability.