New 2-channel radio provides multi-level security for voice and data communications in a small, compact form factor

Fairfax, Va – General Dynamics Mission Systems introduced the new Badger software-defined radio today at the Navy League’s Sea-Air-Space Symposium in National Harbor, Maryland. Produced at the company’s Scottsdale, Arizona facility, the Badger is a compact, 2-channel software-defined radio that provides Multiple Independent Levels of Security (MILS) for ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore voice and data communications. It is the only radio available that provides High Frequency (HF), Very High Frequency (VHF), Ultra High Frequency (UHF) and SATCOM Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) waveform capability. The integration of MUOS significantly enhances beyond line-of-sight, or satellite voice and data communications.

Badger’s software-defined, flexible open architecture enables future next-generation communications including waveforms, encryption algorithms and advanced network connectivity to be easily incorporated without redesign. Similar to a commercial smartphone, this approach simplifies the incorporation of new features and functions by enabling the radio to be upgraded in the field without having to take it out of service, resulting in significant time and cost savings. In addition, the Badger’s Voice over IP (VoIP) audio capability modernizes and simplifies platform audio distribution using network connectivity.

The Badger is based on the long history of General Dynamics’ Digital Modular Radio (DMR). With over 900 radios delivered, DMR provides secure communications aboard U.S. Navy surface and sub surface vessels, as well as fixed sites. At a quarter of the size of DMR, Badger provides the waveforms and flexibility of the DMR in a compact platform.

“The Badger was developed in collaboration with our customer to meet their requirements for smaller ships and platforms,“ said Stan Kordana, Vice President of Surface Systems at General Dynamics Mission Systems. Badger offers many of the same capabilities that have made DMR a communications standard for the U.S. Navy, in a much smaller form factor. The reduced size, weight and power make it ideal for smaller platforms across multiple domains that only require two channels, and at the same time simplifies logistics and reduces costs.”

The Badger has programmable embedded NSA certified Type 1 encryption that secures communications and simplifies the system architecture. It has MILS capability which enables it to communicate simultaneously at multiple levels of security, on each of the radio’s two channels.

For additional information or to purchase a Badger, please visit www.gdmissionsystems.com/Badger.

General Dynamics Mission Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), provides mission-critical solutions to defense, intelligence and cyber-security customers across all domains. Headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia, General Dynamics Mission Systems employs more than 12,000 people worldwide. For more information about General Dynamics Mission Systems’ broad portfolio of capabilities, visit gdmissionsystems.com or follow @GDMS on Twitter.

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – July 12, 2021 – Bushnell®, an industry leader in performance optics, announces the release of its new Outdoorsman Bluetooth speaker, a rugged sound solution that was designed for outdoor adventures. From the woods to the backyard, the boat to the beach, and from the UTV to the tailgate party, this speaker is specifically designed to handle all things outside.

The Bushnell Outdoorsman™ features a rubber EXO™ Armor that protects the speaker from bumps and bruises, while its waterproof design shields it from rain and other moisture on land or water. Equipped with a Bite™ magnet on the back for metal surfaces, as well as Bite™ strap, D-ring loop and tripod mount, the Outdoorsman can be mounted just about anywhere, from a 4-wheeler or boat to a tree trunk or fencepost.

With 10 hours of battery life, the Outdoorsman can outlast an all-day party. An integrated charge port allows you to use the speaker as an external battery pack to recharge your phone, and it packs enough power to recharge most phones two or three times when fully charged.

For users who want more audio power, the Outdoorsman comes with TWS (True Wireless Stereo) mode, which allows the speaker to be paired with another Outdoorsman speaker for left and right stereo sound.

The Bushnell Outdoorsman includes the Bite strap, a micro-USB charging cable and an additional black EXO Armor. This black protective sleeve can be swapped with the included camo EXO Armor. MSRP for the Outdoorsman speaker is $119.99. To learn more about the Outdoorsman or other Bushnell products, visit bushnell.com.

San Diego, CA, June 29, 2021 – Today, Blue Sky Network, industry leader in mission-critical fleet management, business continuity, and operational analytics solutions, announced that it has been selected by MARTAC, an innovative provider of Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs), to equip their USVs with Blue Sky Network’s device and data management solution: SkyLink.

SkyLink by Blue Sky Network leverages the Iridium® Certus network as well as local GSM/LTE services for continuous, end-to-end sensor reporting, two-way messaging, asset utilization, and IoT/M2M monitoring. The device is small-form and low SWAP for use in any location or environment, with demonstrated versatility in both manned and unmanned maritime applications.

“To work with MARTAC is a great honor,” said Tucker Morrison, CEO of Blue Sky Network. “Autonomous missions are becoming more prevalent, and it’s the powerful, cutting-edge solutions like MARTAC’s USVs that inspired us to develop SkyLink.”

“We look forward to partnering with MARTAC to provide real-time command and control (C2) datalink for autonomous and remotely-piloted operations via our SkyLink solution,” stated Jason Hicks, VP of Business Development at Blue Sky Network. “SkyLink is a lightweight, durable, and low-latency solution that enables Iridium Global Line of SightSM for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) performance, supporting the vast needs of MARTAC’s Devil Ray and MANTAS USVs.”

“We are very excited to be working with Blue Sky Network’s leading edge, low SWAP, multi-carrier network for our USVs. Our Devil Ray and MANTAS vessels operate Beyond Human Capability and therefore reliable, robust, low-latency communications anywhere in the world is critical,” said Tom Hanson, COO of MARTAC.

Pre-orders for SkyLink began June 15, 2021, with hardware distribution planned for September 2021. All pre-orders are eligible for early access to the SkyLink Cloud Services portal, live testing data, and training materials. For more information on the SkyLink solution, visit www.blueskynetwork.com/skylink.