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Persistent Systems to Support Tomahawk Robotics in $55 Million Upgrade of Navy Robots

Thursday, June 22nd, 2023

Flexible Cybersecure Radio (FlexCSR) contract will replace hundreds of legacy radios used by Navy EOD robots with MPU5 mobile ad hoc networking radios, plus NSA-certified Type 1 encryption

June 21, 2023

Persistent Systems, LLC (“Persistent”), a leader in mobile ad hoc networking (MANET) technology, announced today that it will support Tomahawk Robotics, a Florida-based developer of common control systems for unmanned systems, on a $55 million contract as it moves to production to upgrade U.S. Navy explosive ordinance disposal (EOD) robots.

The Flexible Cybersecure Radio (FlexCSR) contract, awarded by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division, will have Tomahawk Robotics replace hundreds of legacy radios used to control and communicate with Navy unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) with Persistent Systems MPU5 MANET radios that have been incorporated by Tomahawk Robotics into a solution that includes NSA Type 1 encryption.

“We are very excited to be supporting Tomahawk Robotics on this Navy contract,” said Ryan Kowalske, VP Business Development for Persistent Systems. “FlexCSR will provide Navy EOD robots with more capable and secure radios. Plus, it shows how other military robots with our MANET systems can be upgraded with Type 1 encryption, when deemed appropriate.”

In addition to being the prime contractor on FlexCSR, Tomahawk Robotics is also a member of the Wave Relay® Ecosystem, an expanding industry alliance of unmanned system, sensor and controller companies all using the Persistent Systems MANET as their default communications network.

“With the growth of the Ecosystem and contract awards like FlexCSR, we are seeing a transition to the long-envisioned networked battlefield, where people, platforms and payloads are all interconnected,” says Kowalske. “Persistent Systems is proud to be making that happen.”

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OR Summer Show 23 – Brunton ECOmpass Tag-Along

Monday, June 19th, 2023

The Brunton Tag-Along compass is an old favorite. It’s great for attaching to zipper pulls on shell jackets or just adding to an emergency kit.

Brunton has refreshed it by manufacturing it from recycled materials and added a thermometer.

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MPU5 Firmware Update Uses AI to Counter Electronic Warfare Threats

Thursday, June 15th, 2023

June 13, 2023

Firmware increases throughput of MPU5 and hardens network against electronic attack

Persistent Systems, LLC (“Persistent”), a leader in mobile ad hoc networking (MANET), announced today that the company has rolled out its free 19.7.1 firmware upgrade for customers of the handheld MPU5 networked radio and other Wave Relay® MANET products.

The new 19.7.1 firmware adds Artificial Intelligence (AI) to the Wave Relay® MANET, allowing it to rapidly adapt radio parameters to maximize network throughput. The reinforcement learning algorithm continuously adapts modulation selection, coding rates, spatial streams, and other RF parameters, selecting from thousands of permutations. The algorithm receives an “award” as the capacity of the link increases.

“With this firmware update, our MANET products deliver the maximum network capacity to our end-users,” said Sam Pera, director of Sales Engineering for Persistent Systems. “This means more voice, video, and data – delivering increased situational awareness to the warfighter.”

The upgrade also expands the library of electronic warfare (EW) countermeasures that can be employed by the MPU5 when operating in congested or contested environments.

“The fusion of EW countermeasures with AI based adaptation creates an extremely robust, market leading capability,” Pera noted. “Delivering a system that continuously adapts in contested RF environments to maximize performance.”

The new 19.7.1 firmware also enables the auto-discovery of video camera feeds on the Wave Relay® network, supports pan, tilt, zoom control of FLIR camera gimbals, and embeds KLV metadata into the MPEG video stream.

The MPU5’s Android operating system has also been upgraded several generations improving both security and application performance. Indeed, company officials describe 19.7.1 as a “significant upgrade”—one that was years in the making and supported by the law enforcement, intelligence, and special operations communities.

“They were all beta testers of the new 19.7.1 firmware,” said Pera. “We incorporated their suggestions and received extremely positive feedback with regard to the performance improvements.”

The new 19.7.1 firmware is available now for download in the Customer Support Portal.

www.persistentsystems.com

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Satcom Direct Joins Forces with McQ to Launch Groundbreaking Video Bandwidth Agility Kit

Thursday, June 15th, 2023

New tech streams HD video in reduced bandwidth BLOS applications

Melbourne, Florida/ 13 June 2023 – SD Government, the satellite communications provider for global governments, has teamed with advanced surveillance systems experts, McQ, to add the SD Video Bandwidth Agility Kit (VBAK) to its expanding portfolio of services. Delivering near real-time high-definition video over low bandwidth in beyond line-of-sight (BLOS) applications for military and civilian government customers, the VBAK is a breakthrough technology for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), and search and rescue (SAR) missions. With its clarity, speed, and multiple-platform capabilities, it is transforming fixed-wing, helicopter, and UAV operations with reduced weight and size limitations.

The VBAK internal compact SD WiFi Hub router and video compression module sit between the onboard camera and modem in a hardened case, collecting video data and compressing it using McQ vWatch® software. The video is then transmitted through the SD Plane Simple® Ku-band antenna to a coordination server, where it is distributed simultaneously to multiple end-users, including command and control centers and other aircraft. The video compression bundle is transport agnostic and compatible with Ka, Ku, and L-band satellite communication (SATCOM).

The system, available as a complete roll-on/roll-off (RO-RO) kit, can be installed as a bundle with the SD Plane Simple® Ku-band antenna connecting with the Intelsat FlexAir network and is bolstered by worldwide award-winning customer support. VBAK is compatible with the Tactical Removeable Airborne Satellite Communications (TRASC) BLOS C-130 Multi-Purpose Hatch System (MPHS) solution from SD Government and R4 Integration, Inc. Combined, these two RO/RO systems enable simple equipment sharing across the fleet.

In a VBAK proof-of-concept mission held at the Red Flag Alaska Range in March 2023, the HD video feed (1080p/H.264/30fps) from a Northrop Grumman LITENING Advanced Targeting Pod mounted on an Alaska Air National Guard SAR HC-130J, was compressed into a 300kbps stream and routed over the Inmarsat GX network using a MilliSat EX Ka-band antenna that relayed the feed to a ground station where the streaming quality was evaluated. The aircraft departed on a high-level route at 18,000ft MSL from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, and an iPerf test was completed during the sortie. The signal-to-noise ratio averaged 5.3 (compared to the normal range of 3.0 to 8.0), 1.8mbps upload, and 1.5mbps download speeds were achieved, and video dissemination occurred with sub-2 second latency. Near real-time or better, this low latency shows how VBAK enables HD video streaming on bandwidth limited to provide capacity for other applications and when high bandwidth is unavailable.

Adding flexibility to the SD VBAK package, the system will operate on a variety of internet protocol networks, including cellular and IP radio modems, as well as satellite. In addition, the McQ vWatch module provides a set-up web page. Its user interface displays video and includes controls for frame rate, pixel resolution, camera pan, tilt and zoom. Frame rate and pixel resolution are adjustable for the best data rate. At the same time, SD’s Data Center and Private Network offer continuous vulnerability scanning, intrusion detection, and encryption while ensuring data never touches the public network.

“The VBAK bundle is an asset that users have been demanding for some time, and we are proud to deliver it to our government customers. The ISR market and operators are balancing the demand for larger data offloads with the economics of the available BLOS solutions. The integration of the McQ vWatch software into the SD ecosystem of hardware and connectivity solutions provides operational agility and cost advantages for the operator, and we are looking forward to working with customers to implement the technology,” says Hayden Olson, GM, Satcom Direct Government. “Our collaboration with McQ on such an innovative piece of technology advances critical service communications during BLOS missions to support positive outcomes in the most challenging environments and consequently protect and save lives.”

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UK Royal Marines field over 1,000 Persistent Systems MPU5 Handheld Networking Radios to Support Future Commando Force

Thursday, June 8th, 2023

UK’s Ministry of Defence’s Future Commando Force program transforming Royal Marines into forward-deployed special operations force using new sensors, unmanned systems, and mobile ad hoc network

For Immediate Release

NEW YORK, N.Y.—May 11, 2023—Persistent Systems, LLC (“Persistent”) a leader in mobile ad hoc networking (MANET), announced today that it has so far received orders to supply over 1,000 MPU5 handheld networking radios to the UK Royal Marines in support of their transformative Future Commando Force program.

“The network is the foundation on which future technologies will be deployed,” said Eve Shapiro, Director of Business Development, International Team, at Persistent Systems. “Our MPU5’s will transport data from sensors and unmanned systems enabling small agile commando teams to exert a disproportionally large effect on the battlefield.”

The Android-loaded MPU5 runs the Wave Relay® MANET algorithm, enabling seamless and robust peer-to-peer sharing of voice, video, text, GPS location, and sensor data without requiring vulnerable base stations or external communications infrastructure, speeding up the tempo of military operations.

“This is key in light of the objectives set forth by the Future Commando Force program,” Shapiro said.

These restructured Royal Marines will serve in two new Littoral Response Groups (LRGs) and are busy taking on new equipment to reflect that role.

This gear includes new helmet cameras, hand-thrown unmanned aircraft and ground systems, rotary-wing drones for ISR and resupply, and MPU5s to provide the MANET that connects the troops, equipment, and command. Indeed, for the past few years, the Royal Marines have been experimenting with Persistent’s Wave Relay® MANET:

• The Royal Marines used MPU5s to great effect during the Green Dagger exercise, held in the Mojave Desert. During that exercise, the Royal Marines of the newly formed LRG (South) were part of a U.S. Marine force that performed well in multi-national wargames.

• And last December, the Royal Marines likewise used MPU5s during Musandam Fort, in Oman. According to the Royal Navy, “it was a test of new communications equipment—which are designed to create powerful, secure networks anywhere in the world.”

Delivery, training, and customer support to the Royal Marines will be provided by Steatite Ltd., Persistent’s UK based partner. Deliveries are already underway and will continue throughout 2023.

Persistent Systems officials say that they expect to see more purchases from the UK military and the wider European market. “When people see what you can do with an MPU5 MANET device, and what missions you can support, there will be increased demand for the technology,” Shapiro said.

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OpEx 23 – ESSTAC

Thursday, June 1st, 2023

ESSTAC is a first time exhibitor at Operator Expo. They showed their line of radio pouches. They feature laser cut laminate construction and are PALS compatible. Well known for their boxes of edible crayons for Marines, ESSTAC impressed their northern neighbors with laser engraved hockey pucks and pouches.

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Octasic Assembles Strategic Advisory Committee for US Federal and DoD Markets

Tuesday, May 9th, 2023

Tampa, FL, May 9, 2023 — Octasic, a manufacturer of programmable silicon for mission-critical wireless applications, has formed a Special Advisory Committee made up of esteemed experts with decades-long experience in defense and intelligence. The committee will provide advice and guidance to Octasic in its engagements with the US Federal and Department of Defense (DoD) markets.

The committee members were chosen for their expertise in engineering and communications, as well as their unique insights into the future of public security systems and battle-ready technology. The committee’s mission is to ensure Octasic conforms to and grows with the needs of its US Defense and federal agency clients, and to provide invaluable customer insights across these sectors.

“The creation of this strategic committee is an important milestone for us as it reflects our mission and priorities to create a more secure and connected world. It is essential for us to do so while respecting the highest standards of ethics and governance,” says Sébastien Leblanc, CEO of Octasic. “With the insight and guidance of the committee, we will ensure that solutions developed for this market provide the highest levels of quality while continuing our dedication to 5G wireless innovations and beyond.”

With more than 155 years of combined experience the Octasic Strategic Advisory Committee Members are:

Gary Martin, retired PEO-C3T (US DoD): Gary Martin is a retired Program Executive Officer with more than 33 years of service in the US Army. From 2015 to 2018, Martin headed the Program Executive Office Command, Control, and Communications-Tactical (PEO C3T). Leading more than 1,600 personnel, he took on significant challenges in 23 major army programs. Martin holds a Master of Science in Engineering Management from the University of Pennsylvania and graduated from the Management Development program at Harvard Business School.

Henry Muller, retired Director CERDEC (US DoD): Henry Muller’s engineering and R&D expertise have proven invaluable to the US Armed Forces. His 33-year service includes a role as Director for the US Army Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center (CERDEC). Here, he spearheaded technical research for C4ISR, provided strategic guidance, and established CERDEC’s Science and Technology portfolio. Muller holds a Master of Science in Management of Technology from the Stevens Institute of Technology and graduated from the Harvard Senior Executive Fellows program. He also holds Army Acquisition Corp. Level III Certification in Engineering, Program Management, and S&T Management.

Thomas Trask, Retired LGEN USAF (US DoD): Thomas Trask retired five years ago from his role as Vice Commander of the US Special Operations Command, Lt. Gen. He planned, coordinated, and executed actions with the Office of Secretary of Defense and the Joint Staff, among other government agencies. Throughout Lt. Gen. Trask’s 33 years of service in the Air Force, he accumulated more than 3,200 flight hours and 50 combat missions with Operations Just Cause (Panama), Operation Desert Storm (Kuwait), and several missions in the Balkans, Bosnia, and Kosovo. He holds three master’s degrees in political science from Troy State University, the Naval War College, and Air University School and Advanced Airpower Studies.

Harry Coker, Retired Executive NSA & CIA: Retired Intelligence Executive and Naval Officer Harry Coker served in CIA leadership positions for nearly two decades. These roles spanned Science & Technology, Public Affairs, and Open Source Enterprise, where he was responsible for leveraging publicly available information. Coker served on the National Security/Foreign Policy team for the Presidential Transition Team of the Biden-Harris administration. Most recently, he completed a joint duty assignment as Executive Director of the NSA—a position that placed him third in command of the largest US Intelligence community. Mr. Coker is a recipient of the Presidential Rank Award and the CIA’s Don Cryer Award for Diversity and Inclusion Leadership.

Christian Rousseau, retired COL CAF (CA DND): Retired from the Canadian Armed Forces Intelligence Branch, Col Rousseau brings more than 35 years of military intelligence experience to the table. He has been a leader and manager of all-sources intelligence enterprises at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels, nationally and internationally with the UN and NATO in Europe, the Balkans and Afghanistan. Of note, France awarded Christian the rank of Chevalier de l’Ordre national du Mérite for his outstanding work as Defence Attaché managing bilateral military cooperation in a particularly challenging time.

Octasic will be exhibiting at SOF Week, Tampa, FL, on May 9 – 11, 2023, from Booth # 1653.

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INVISIO Unveils New Ultimate Warfighter Hub and PTT

Monday, May 8th, 2023

INVISIO today announces its latest development in mission critical communications – the INVISIO V60 Gen II ADP – an advanced PTT and warfighter hub that bridges audio, data, and power. It provides more functionality and flexibility whilst integrating systems and data to reduce the number of devices carried by dismounted soldiers.

The V60 II ADP builds on previous iterations of INVISIO’s V-Series, adding the capability to enable audio cues from EUD (End User Device) to headset, as well as distributing power to EUDs or other devices. This reduces cables, devices, and complexity.

The new addition to the INVISIO family has the same capabilities as the INVISIO V-Series Gen II which delivers market-leading double hearing protection of 42dB SNR / 34dB NNR with hear-through capability, as well as automatic adjustment of volume from received audio to surrounding sound levels. It also uses AI and digital signal processing to filter out noise and increase speech intelligibility by 30 per cent, key factors in increasing situational awareness and reducing fatigue.

The system is MIL SPEC compliant and proven to withstand extreme environments, from high altitudes and low temperatures to extreme heat, as well as being fully submersible to 20m for two hours.

In the latest ground-breaking development by INVISIO, the V60 II ADP has the capability to bridge audio and data, allowing audio cues to be delivered to a headset from an EUD, creating an even more agile communications solution in the field. Like its predecessors, the system is modular, giving flexibility to the user on the ground and the ability to cater for varying requirements based on situation and power needs, all while adding a unique interface between data and audio.

“INVISIO’s digitalization of traditional systems continues its ongoing work to modernize communications in the battlefield,” says Jakob Novrup Bengtson, Product Manager at INVISIO. “The latest addition to our range of tactical communication systems bridges the gap between audio and data, creating a fast, agile, and data-driven solution for dismounted troops on the ground.

“We have listened to feedback from our customers on what users need, and that is reduced burden – fewer devices, fewer cables, and flexible, integrated systems that make communication easier than ever, no matter what environment they are in. The result is the V60 II ADP.

“This will have a hugely positive impact for our customers and marks the next step in the digitalization of battlefield communication.”

The V60 II ADP offers:

•The ultimate warfighter hub: Bridging audio, data, and power for more capabilities with less devices

•Reduced burden: Less cables, devices, less weight and complexity

•Rugged and combat proven: MIL-SPEC compliant and proven by SOF globally.

•Mission adaptive: Volume from received audio is automatically adjusted to surrounding sound level.

•Flexible and intuitive: Limitless configurations, making Gen II suitable for all scenarios, and VOX functionality and voice prompts for intuitive operations.

•INVISIO Audio™: AI and digital signal processing to filter out noise and increase speech intelligibility by 30 per cent.

•Market-leading hearing protection: Increased protection levels and option of double hearing protection with hear-through at a market-leading 42 dB SNR / 34 dB NNR attenuation.

INVISIO has a proven track record of developing industry-leading solutions for the most demanding elite units in the world, using extensive research and feedback to create systems and products that will solve problems and improve communication.

The ADP will be announced on May 8 in connection with SOF Week in Tampa, Florida. Visit INVISIO at booth #1152 or go directly to their yacht “Reel Blonde” for a live demo. Alternatively, for more information, visit Invisio.com or contact info@invisio.com or your local INVISIO sales representative.

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