The Individual Signaling Panel (ISP) is GOM’s adaptation of the iconic VS/17 panel, purpose-built for today’s rifleman. Measuring a compact 12×12 inches, the ISP features a high-visibility orange side for signaling and a Multicam side to ensure the user does not inadvertently signal unfriendly forces to their rear.
Get yours at gomdesigns.com.
I get excited when I find out about small businesses with innovative technologies that solve real problems, particularly those owned by fellow veterans. Even better when these capabilities are low cost.
Take for example, MSRS Navigation, which was founded by a retired Tier One operator after having experienced GPS jamming while deployed overseas. In fact, all five of the company’s employees are Veterans and the gear is made in Asheville, NC.
Confronting the Electronic Warfare threat is now a challenge faced by everyone and the Western use of Global Positioning System for navigation can no longer be solely relied upon to accurately determine position and route.
MSRS Navigation has developed the only ITAR-free, Denied-GPS navigation system. What’s more, the system is completely non-RF, with no reliance on satellites or any signals for that matter. There’s nothing to jam.
Having been awarded two patents with three more in process, they instead rely upon an AI/ML engine which examines data and identifies errors from GPS degradation, identifying last known good point to base modeling from. This is supplemented with real-time data from multiple sensors. The result is .1 meter accuracy per mile and is correctable by the end user at any point by simple correction via drag/drop of the icon on the map-based interface GUI, to the correct point. Alternatively, there is a plug-in for ATAK users.
The systems runs independently from, but in parallel with GPS, allowing the user to rely upon GPS in high-fidelity environments. At any point, the user can switch to MSRS if for example, they enter a degraded environment such as jamming or dense foliage or tunnels. MSRS always runs in the background.
The current Army program of record is Mounted Assured Positioning, Navigation and Timing System (MAPS) Gen II which is great if you’re part of the BOIP. If not, MSRS is available today, for immediate deployment. Over forty of their fly away kits (FAK) are currently in use with US and International SOF in overseas combat environments.
Simple to employ, the FAK comes packed in a Pelican 1200 and can be installed in under 30 minutes. Additionally, MSRS is about the quarter of the price of MAPS.
While the system is currently configured for ground and sub-T navigation, the company has a CRADA in place with USSOCOM through SOFWERX to support an upcoming evaluation of the system. To expand its use, they have partnered with Hefring Marine out of Iceland to build a Maritime system and expect to have a working prototype in early 2025.
For more information, visit www.msrsnav.com.
–Eric Graves
AFWERX selects goTenna for a Small Business Innovation Research contract to develop CoTS capabilities to enable communications connectivity solutions for the U.S Air Force.
JERSEY CITY, NJ (September 16, 2024) – goTenna, the world’s leading mobile mesh networking company, was awarded $15M through the Air Force’s Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) Program to provide enhanced Commercial Off-The-Shelf (CoTS) mesh capabilities. This award allows goTenna to develop and enhance the company’s already robust ecosystem of integrated, industry-leading CoTS communication equipment that enables connectivity in peacetime and wartime environments. goTenna’s solutions will directly contribute to the Department of the Air Force’s (DAF) Strategic Need for Resilient Information Sharing through hardware and software over mobile ad-hoc mesh networks. goTenna’s technology will increase coordination across all Joint Force assets and partner forces through assured communications and shared situational awareness.
STRATFI is a joint initiative by AFWERX and SpaceWERX designed to assist Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) projects in bridging the challenging gap between development and full production. By providing a multi-year infusion of funds, this effort enables small businesses to attract necessary investors and continue their research and development efforts as they progress towards full-scale capability.
“This contract will enable goTenna to further optimize our commercial off the shelf mesh radio capabilities to better support Air Force and Department of Defense missions,” said goTenna CEO Ari Schuler. “The AFWERX program has been a critical driver for advancing goTenna’s support for the warfighter, and the STRATFI program is ideal for enabling small businesses to successfully transition new capabilities to market. We appreciate the amazing support of our end users in the special warfare community, the Hanscom Air Force base contracting activity, and the STRATFI program office in advancing critical communications capabilities for the US government.”
In addition to the STRATFI contract award, goTenna announced an investment by Vanedge Capital in goTenna’s ongoing Series 1 fundraise. Vanedge is an early-stage venture fund that invests in companies building foundational new technologies with transformational potential, focusing on disruptive hardtech platforms, analytics, and AI.
“goTenna’s resilient mesh networking technology solves vital connectivity challenges for the most demanding customers in the world, and has already proven its worth in critical operations,” said Moe Kermani, Managing Partner at Vanedge Capital. “We’ve been extremely impressed by Ari and the entire goTenna team, and are confident that their relentless focus on their customers’ missions will lead to more growth and greater success.”
The AXL Gen II RAC Link Downlead Retainers attach under the Gen II RAC Link. This allows for a more streamlined method of capturing your headset downlead cables.
Purchased mobile ad hoc networking (MANET) equipment will support U.S. Marine logistics in EUCOM Theater
September 18, 2024 – Persistent Systems, LLC (“Persistent”), a leader in mobile ad hoc networking (MANET), announced today a $5.3 million sale of MPU5 MANET devices, Rugged Display & Controllers (RDCs), and Integrated Sector Antennas to the U.S. Marine Corps in support of the 2nd Marine Logistics Group.
The sale of the MANET equipment, including C-Band and L-Band RF cards, follows a similar acquisition of S-Band RF cards by the Marines in January 2023 to advance their logistics networking capabilities in the EUCOM and CENTCOM regions.
“The Marine Corps is undergoing a force design and modernization effort to deal with near-peer competition,” said Luke Wood, Persistent Systems VP of Business Development, U.S. Navy/Marine Corps. “They are looking into reliable high-bandwidth commercial technologies to solve their operational requirements, and we’re supporting that campaign of learning, both at the headquarters and operating forces level.”
Purchase of the MPU5 provides the Marines with access to the Wave Relay® MANET algorithm for peer-to-peer sharing of voice, video, text, sensor, and GPS data. The MANET provides immediate network access and interoperability with other network-based platforms fielded by the Marine Corps and international partner forces.
All network data stored on the MPU5 is viewable on the RDC for increased situational awareness and command-and-control of unmanned systems. Additionally, rapidly mounted Integrated Sector Antennas (to poles, masts, or towers) extend the range of the MANET “bubble” created by the MPU5s.
“The MANET equipment will go to a few logistics battalions for vehicle-to-vehicle and dismounted security force communications,” said Wood. “The rest will be deployed as needed for advanced expeditionary bases, logistics hubs, and other logistics missions.”
Extended network range will allow Marines to share video more widely from previously disconnected EO/IR video cameras, unmanned aircraft systems, and explosive ordinance disposal robots.
“All this enables the Marines to make sense of the battlefield and coordinate against adversary platforms and formations,” he said.
Persistent will continue to support the service’s manned and unmanned ground combat vehicle efforts, as well as manned and unmanned maritime vessels.
MIHAIL KOGALNICEANU AIR BASE, Romania – The U.S. Army, in collaboration with Sev1Tech, a leading provider of IT modernization, engineering, fielding, training, and program support services for U.S. government agencies, hosted a two-day event to train U.S. Soldiers on new radio equipment at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, Romania, Aug. 28-29, 2024.
The ability to communicate effectively in combat environments has been a cornerstone of military success for centuries. In modern warfare, radio is one of the most essential tools for maintaining this communication. With increasing reliance on digital networks and real-time data exchange, ensuring that Soldiers are well-trained in using and maintaining new radios in the field is paramount.
“Today’s training is about transitioning from older radio equipment to much newer radio equipment,” said Pfc. Josalynne McCants, a joint fire support specialist assigned to the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry). “This training exercise is important because a lot of what we do relies heavily on effective communication; therefore, learning and becoming better acquainted with the tools that will enhance and improve communication is absolutely essential.”
Hands-on training with the AN/PRC 14 Delta and AN/PRC 170 allowed the Soldiers to familiarize themselves with the new communication technology. This technology is crucial in maintaining tactical advantage and seamless coordination during operations. The two-day course covered everything from basic operational procedures to advanced troubleshooting and maintenance.
Army training programs designed to teach Soldiers how to operate new radio systems have become a top priority as technology advances. This training initiative, led by expert defense contractors, focused on hands-on instruction with the latest field radios. Soldiers were taught to set up secure communication links, troubleshoot common issues, and maintain connectivity in difficult environments.
“The goal of this training event is to become more knowledgeable about our equipment, to learn the correct skills, and acquire the knowledge needed to operate the new radios proficiently,” said 1st Lt. Julia Agan, a fire support officer assigned to 10th MTN Div. (LI). “As a fire support officer, we are first into the battlefield with the infantry units, so it’s extremely important to be well-versed with the new equipment so that we can do our jobs efficiently.”
Through training initiatives like this, V Corps — the Army’s only forward deployed warfighting headquarters — continues its unwavering commitment to maintaining a combat-ready force. Through modernization, resolving capability gaps, and evolving force structure, V Corps continuously engages in competition, responds to crises, and prepares to win in conflict. By staying ahead of technological advancements, V Corps ensures Soldiers are prepared for today’s missions and the missions of tomorrow.
By PFC Jason Sessions
The German Bundeswehr has commissioned Rheinmetall to supply a second batch of the intercom with hearing protection function – SMG (Sprechsatz mit Gehörschutzfunktion) for short. The troops are to receive a further 30,000 sets, divided into 8,000 command SMGs and 22,000 soldier SMGs. Delivery is scheduled to begin in mid-2025 and be completed by the end of 2025. The order is worth around €55 million net. An initial call-off for the delivery of 30,000 sets was already issued in April 2024. Both delivery batches will be financed from the special fund.
In April 2024 Rheinmetall has been been commissioned by the Bundeswehr to supply up to 191,000 sets of the “intercom with hearing protection function”. The framework contract has a seven-year term and a potential order volume of up to €400 million net. The SMG is a key project for tactical communications which is of cross-sectional importance for the entire force.
The intercom with hearing protection function includes modern active capsule ear protection that attenuates harmful impulse noise and amplifies quiet sounds. It also has a microphone and can be connected to various radio devices so that radio communication is possible. In addition to the combined headset, the scope of supply includes various push-to-talk (PTT) buttons and different cable sets for connecting to a range of radios and on-board communication systems. Rheinmetall has involved two leading manufacturers as subcontractors for the project: 3M Deutschland GmbH with the ComTac VIII headset and CeoTronics AG with CT-Multi PTT 1C and 3C. The SmG is compatible with the Rheinmetall-supplied new combat helmet as well as with other Bundeswehr helmet types.
This order of the second batch underlines Rheinmetall’s leading role in the field of military equipment. The technology company is the prime contractor for the System Infantry Soldier of the Future – Expanded System to the Bundeswehr. Rheinmetall markets various configurations of its Gladius soldier system internationally.
In August 2024, GoTAK LLC partnered with ZBM2 Industries to provide our clients with excellent quality, made in the USA antenna kits for the GoTAK DMR models and the Beartooth MKII radios. ZBM2 Industries is a veteran owned and operated company specializing in antennas for comm solutions out of California.
The antenna kits increase the range of our DMR product line by 2-3x with the made in the USA antennas.
The full kit includes the following:
• 1x foul weather whip antenna
• 1x 6″ whip antenna UHF/915 only
• 1x stubby VHF/UHF/915 antenna
• 1x 2′ relocation cable
• 1x SMA to BNC adapter
• 1x BNC 90 degree adapter
Kits are available to purchase here and are available in custom colors by special order.
getgotak.com/products/gotak-bnc-antenna-kit
The antenna kit will soon be included in every order for the GoTAK DMR and GoTAK DMR Pro EUDs, exclusively available at getgotak.com
