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Archive for the ‘Comms’ Category

Tuning Into the Future: U.S. Soldiers Deployed to Europe Master New Radio Technology

Thursday, September 5th, 2024

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

German Armed Forces Call Off Another 30,000 Intercom Sets with Hearing Protection Function from Rheinmetall

Wednesday, September 4th, 2024

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. 

GoTAK Partners with ZBM2 Industries

Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024

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

High Speed Gear Launches the GEN 2 Large Radio TACO

Friday, August 30th, 2024

SWANSBORO, N.C. – August 29, 2024 – High Speed Gear adds to their newest line of products, the GEN 2 Large Radio TACO. As with all HSG products, it is made in the USA, Berry Compliant, and backed by a Lifetime Warranty. This innovative product represents the latest advancement in HSG’s ongoing commitment to delivering superior gear for military and law enforcement professionals.

The GEN 2 Large Radio TACO is designed to be sleeker, lighter, and more versatile than its predecessor. Weighing nearly 20% less, it offers enhanced functionality while maintaining the robust durability that High Speed Gear is known for. Key features include 1/2 inch interval MOLLE on the front and back, providing both MOLLE and belt mounting options, and allowing for the attachment of additional pouches (2 HSGI MOLLE clips included). As well as adjustable shock cord retention at the top and sides.

This large-sized Radio TACO securely accommodates U.S. military radios, including the PRC-148, PRC-152, PRC-163, and MPU5, ensuring quick and easy insertion and removal with adjustable retention for optimal security. The top retention strap, equipped with a side-release buckle, adds an extra layer of protection, keeping the radio firmly in place during the most demanding operations.

“Strong lines of communication with our active duty testers allowed us to cut through the static and create a simple, yet versatile pouch with the bandwidth to support most common military radios.,” said Daniel Chaney, Senior Designer at High Speed Gear.

Specifications:

• SKU: 24RD02XX

• Dimensions: 7.25” x 4.5” x 1”

• Weight: 3.3oz/95g/0.21lbs

A list of GEN 2 TACO variations also offered by High Speed Gear:

• GEN 2 Double Handcuff TACO

• GEN 2 Handcuff TACO

• GEN 2 Rifle TACO

• GEN 2 X2R TACO

• GEN 2 Double Decker TACO

• GEN 2 Extended Pistol TACO

• GEN 2 Pistol TACO

• GEN 2 Double Pistol TACO

GEN 2 TACO Line over the top retention accessories:

• OTR Bungee Kit

• OTR Cover

The GEN 2 Large Radio TACO is now available for purchase through authorized dealers and the High Speed Gear website. For more information about this product and other High Speed Gear offerings, visit www.highspeedgear.com/gen-2-radio-taco.

Lindnerhof Taktik Unveils New Radio Pouches and Compact PTT Holder for Enhanced Tactical Communication

Wednesday, August 28th, 2024

LENGGRIES, GERMANY (27 August 2024)

Lindnerhof presents its newest innovations: a series ofadvanced Radio Pouches and a compact PTT Holder. Designed for secure storage and rapid access, theseproducts enhance operational efficiency andeffectiveness.

Designed with both functionality and lightweightdurability in mind, these new additions utilise therenowned MX material, slim webbing, and lightweightplastic components.

The MX132 Radio Pouch, a medium-sized option, is perfect for various communication devices. It features anadjustable bottom and a two-way safety system with a cord and stopper at the top and a buckle-securedwebbing strap at the bottom for easy handling andsecure attachment.

The MX107 Radio Pouch accommodates larger devicessuch as the SEM-52. With MOLLE/PALS compatibility, elastic side panels, and an adjustable hook-and-loopstrap at the top, it provides stability and easy accesswhile preventing sideways movement.

The MX099 stands out with its L-bar construction, allowing for secure storage of a wider range of devices. This large pouch includes a safety strap, Alpha Tab foradded stability, and a tiltable front that provides open access to the display and controls. The angle of tilt is adjustable with a cord and stopper, and additional elasticloops offer space for pens, batteries, or light sticks.

Completing the new series is the MX703 PTT Holder, compact and lightweight with MX material construction. It features MOLLE/PALS compatibility, a rubber cord andstopper for secure attachment, and a loop surface withadhesive hook tape for PTT unit attachment.

Explore Lindnerhof’s newest products, designed to enhance tactical communication with advanced featuresand modern design. Visit Lindnerhof’s webshop to learnmore.

Persistent Systems and Data Hertz Secure Summer Olympics with Coastal Communications Network

Friday, August 9th, 2024

August 8, 2024 Wave Relay® capabilities to provide real-time text and geolocation data to French Law enforcement and military services safeguarding sailing event off coast of Marseilles.

Persistent Systems, LLC (“Persistent”), a leader in mobile ad hoc networking (MANET), announced today that the French Navy, with support from DataHertz and Steatite Communications, deployed the Wave Relay® network during the Olympic games for maritime domain awareness.

The Wave Relay network allowed French Law Enforcement and Military units to seamlessly pass real-time text and geolocation data throughout the Marseilles Marina. The network, which doesn’t rely on LTE or infrastructure, was outfitted on vessels and shore infrastructure, providing increased maritime domain awareness during the Olympic sailing competition.

“We are very excited to be bringing our MANET capabilities to France, especially now,” said Eve Shapiro, Persistent’s Senior Director of Sales, International Team. “The Olympic Games draw crowds from all over the world and require a great amount of security coordination. Our robust, highly scalable MANET solution will support the communications needs of security personnel.”

As international forces look to increase their maritime communications capabilities, Persistent’s Infrastructure-based Regional Operation Network (IRON) solution has already been deployed in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and NATO allies in the Baltic region. IRON links tower-based antennas and ship-based data radios to facilitate surveillance and tracking of maritime activity.

The use of the Wave Relay network at the Olympics is another milestone in Persistent’s international efforts as the company expands its presence into France. In addition to supporting the Olympics’ sailing competitions, the Wave Relay network provided situational awareness when the Olympic Torch was brought to France on the Belem, a historic three-masted ship.

“Forces at sea and on the ground passed key information across the network to Delta Suite (French Command and Control application) to provide increased coastal security to the French maritime authorities (CECMED),” said Olivier Escaffre, Director of Business Development for DataHertz. “Deepening the relationship between France and Persistent has been an ongoing effort for the past few years, and we are excited to see this work cumulative on the world stage.”

Valiant Shield Military Exercise Brings Cloud Networking to the Pacific

Wednesday, August 7th, 2024

Company’s mobile ad hoc network (MANET) enabled geographically dispersed U.S. military commanders to move small, agile operational centers across the INDOPACOM region while maintaining contact with aircraft, ships, and ground forces during exercise.

Persistent Systems, LLC (“Persistent”), a leader in mobile ad hoc networking, announced today that its communications solutions successfully supported Valiant Shield, a biennial joint Field Training Exercise conducted by the U.S. military in Guam and across the INDOPACOM Area of Responsibility (AOR).

During the 11-day exercise, Persistent Systems Wave Relay® MANET and Cloud Relay™ networking capabilities enabled U.S. commanders operating from forward-deployed and fixed operations centers to test the Air Force’s Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concept through the MANET-Cloud High Mobility Radio (MCHMR) as well as conduct a run-through of the Joint Fires Network, a prototype battle management system.

“U.S. forces in the INDOPACOM AOR are under constant alert from threats marshaled by near-peer powers in the region,” said Adrien Robenhymer, Persistent’s VP of Business Development, Air Force and Intelligent Community, “The U.S. must be prepared to counter by operating in a nimble, distributed fashion with a swift kill chain.”

Utilizing MCHMR’s MPU5-based MANET and cloud services facilitated by Persistent’s Cloud Relay™ network, Valiant Shield commanders at both fixed and deployable operations centers, as well as individual units at the edge, were able to track bombers and fighter jets in the air, personnel on the ground, and ships at sea.

“During the exercise, airmen and Marines were using our MANET technology to demonstrate the viability of the ACE concept,” Robenhymer said. “Commanders were rapidly establishing operations in Hawaii, Guam, and the First Island Chain, all while maintaining communication and tracking of their forces. We also showcased our ability to reduce the Joint Fires Network response time from minutes to seconds.”

Persistent’s involvement with Valiant Shield, say company officials, is yet another example of how it is leading the way in delivering a Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) capability today.

“The network is the key to enabling JADC2,” said Robenhymer. “By delivering a rapidly deployable, scalable network providing both connectivity at the tactical edge and strategic reach back; decision-makers are finally united with the sensors and effectors. MCHMR has turned the JADC2 vision into a reality, and we just demonstrated it across the Pacific.”

www.persistentsystems.com

UVision Inc. and Mistral Inc. Selects Silvus StreamCaster SC4400 to Provide Secure C2 and Communications for HERO-120SF in $73.5 Million U.S. SOCOM Loitering Munitions Contract

Monday, August 5th, 2024

Los Angeles, California (July 31, 2024) – Silvus Technologies, Inc. (“Silvus”), a global leader in advanced wireless networking communication systems, today announced that UVisionUSA, and Mistral Inc., have selected Silvus’ StreamCaster SC4400 MANET radios to power C2 and communications for the HERO-120SF. This selection is a critical component of UVisionUSA and Mistral Inc. recent $73.5 million contract award from the United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM) for loitering munitions.

Chosen for their unmatched range, scalability, data throughput, and EW resilience, Silvus StreamCaster SC4400 MANET radio delivers up to 20W output power (80W effective power thanks to TX Eigen Beamforming) and up to 100 Mbps data throughput.

All StreamCaster SC4400 radios acquired for the HERO-120SF include Silvus’ proprietary Mobile Networked MIMO (MN-MIMO) waveform that creates a self-organizing mesh network designed to operate across multiple spectrum bands at high data rates. Together with Silvus’ Spectrum Dominance expansive suite of Low Probability of Intercept/Low Probability of Detection (LPI/LPD) and Anti-Jamming resiliency capabilities, Silvus is providing HERO-120SF operators with secure and protected communications without comprising performance. Designed to enable StreamCaster MANET radios to thrive in congested and contested environments, Spectrum Dominance empowers operators with tactical communications solutions to achieve mission objectives, even under electronic attack.  

“The modern battlefield demands advanced loitering munitions with long-range, mobile, and non-line-of-sight wireless communications technology capable of handling high-bandwidth HD video and telemetry data in contested environments. Silvus’ StreamCaster MANET radios, MN-MIMO waveform technology and Spectrum Dominance capabilities are engineered to meet these challenges,” said Jimi Henderson, Vice President of Sales for Silvus Technologies. “Our partnership with UVision and Mistral underscores our commitment to pushing the envelope of what’s technically possible to advance HERO-120SF precision strike capabilities for USSOCOM.”

“Silvus has been instrumental in delivering the essential C2 and protected communications capabilities that helped secure UVisionUSA and Mistral’s significant contract with the U.S. Special Operations Command,” said Dr. Ran Gozali, Chairman of the Board of Directors for UVision USA. “We look forward to continuing our collaboration to provide advanced loitering munition systems with cutting-edge MANET radio communications technologies to protect U.S. national security.”

About the HERO-120SF

The HERO-120SF Loitering Munition System is a state-of-the-art, mid-range, anti-tank system designed specifically for heavy strikes against armored targets, including tanks, vehicles, and other hard targets on the modern battlefield. With its ability to cause minimal collateral damage and equipped with a range of multi-purpose warheads, the HERO-120SF provides operational users with an unparalleled effective engagement solution. Tailored for Special Forces operations, the HERO-120SF includes enhancements such as improved payload capacity, advanced guidance systems, and increased flexibility for deployment from various platforms.

Learn more about the StreamCaster family of MANET radios on the Silvus website and follow Silvus on LinkedIn. Learn more about the UVision HERO family of Loitering Munitions on the UVision website.