SureFire

Archive for the ‘Comms’ Category

DARPA Awards Silvus Up to $13.1M to Develop Distributed Beamforming Solution

Wednesday, March 17th, 2021

Under RN DMC Program, Silvus to Enable Resilient, Long-Range Comms Over Large Geographic Areas

Los Angeles, California (March 16, 2021) – Silvus Technologies, Inc. (“Silvus”) today announced the company has been awarded a contract worth up to $13.1 million as part of DARPA’s Resilient Networked Distributed Mosaic Communications (RN DMC) program. Under RN DMC, Silvus will develop a distributed beamforming/beamnulling solution to enable resilient, long-range terrestrial communications of up to 100km using multiple collaborative radios distributed over hundreds of meters.

RN DMC stems from DARPA’s investment in mosaic warfare, a concept in which large numbers of lower-cost systems, referred to as “tiles,” are deployed to perform complex mission functions in a coordinated fashion. By building a mosaic of inter-connected tiles, functions such as command and control, communications, and sensing can be performed with more resilience and higher performance.

Building on a proven track record of developing real-time solutions enabling distributed frequency and time synchronization, Silvus’ solution for RN DMC is dubbed Mosaic Scattered Wide-Area Resilient Network (MScWRN or M2N). M2N will enable spatially distributed beamforming and beamnulling with minimal communications required between tiles, resulting in mosaic clusters that are able to bridge large range gaps while seamlessly interoperating with the rest of a traditional Silvus mesh network.

“The reliability of long-range communications utilizing multiple radios distributed over large distances is a critical component in DARPA’s vision of mosaic warfare,” said Dr. Babak Daneshrad, Chief Executive Officer of Silvus. “The RN DMC program will enable the continued development of our M2N solution, and we look forward to demonstrating its matured operation.”

Note to readers:

Since 2018, DARPA has placed significant emphasis on the development of “Mosaic Warfare,” bringing together individual warfighting platforms to create a larger “force package.”

Under the Resilient Networked Distributed Mosaic Communications (RN DMC) program, Silvus will develop a beamforming/beamnulling solution that will enable reliable and resilient long range terrestrial communications utilizing multiple collaborative radios distributed over large distances – an integral component to DARPA’s vision for the future of Mosaic Warfare.

General Dynamics To Provide FAA With Radios For Backup Emergency Air Traffic Control Communications

Sunday, March 14th, 2021

General Dynamics awarded $99 million contract to provide new URC-300E transceivers to the FAA to replace legacy emergency backup radios

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has chosen General Dynamics Mission Systems to provide new URC-300E transceivers as part of their Emergency Transceiver Replacement (ETR) program. The eight-year, IDIQ contract has a value of $99 million if all options are exercised.

The URC-300E will replace current legacy radios and provide both Very High Frequency (VHF) and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) operation for civil and military air traffic control (ATC) communications in the event of a catastrophic failure, such as a facility fire or natural disaster. ATC controllers will use the URC-300E to maintain essential ground-to-air communications with aircraft during the critical moments after such an event. The new URC-300E transceiver is specifically designed to maximize radio frequency (RF) performance and enable users to operate multiple URC-300Es as close as 6.5 feet apart without interference – an unprecedented capability compared to currently available man-pack radios which can require up to 50 feet of separation. This close proximity capability enables rapid grab-and-go, multi-channel operations during emergency situations.

“For the past three decades General Dynamics has provided ground-to-air radio systems to the FAA including the recent delivery of the 20,000th CM-300/350 (V2) radio as part of the NEXCOM 2 program,” said Bill Ross, a vice president of General Dynamics Mission Systems. “The URC-300E is another example of our team’s dedication to delivering technologies and products that support the FAA’s efforts to continuously improve the National Airspace and safety of flight.”

The URC-300E, the FAA variant of the URC-300 transceiver, is a versatile, software-defined platform that supports multiple waveforms with exceptional radio frequency (RF) performance to support ground-to-air, line-of-sight and other mission critical applications. It is designed with a flexible, core architecture similar to a commercial smartphone that enables additional features and functions to be added in the field via quick and simple software upgrades, as they become available. This enhanced technology, coupled with the radio’s ability to operate on standard lithium ion batteries, essentially makes the radio “future proof”, resulting in significant time and life cycle cost savings.

The URC-300 is the first ruggedized man-pack radio to achieve compliance with global standards and certifications including Radio Equipment Directive (RED), REACH, RoHS, ETSI EN 300 676 compliance, and it readily supports worldwide 25 kHz and 8.33 kHz deployments. The radio is also currently being certified by the Federal Communications Commission for civilian use and is sponsored by the U.S. Air Force for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Spectrum authorization. In addition to supporting emergency grab-and-go scenarios, the URC-300 supports many other applications including man-pack, vehicular, scalable deployment and rackmount applications as it is ruggedized and meets MIL-STD-810 requirements and is interoperable with its predecessor, the URC-200 (V2) radio, and many of its accessories. General Dynamics began delivering URC-300 radio systems to commercial and DoD customers in Q4 2020.

For additional information on the URC-300, please visit gdmissionsystems.com/URC300.

Fort Bragg Warfighter 21 – Universal Battery Charger Lite from Thales

Friday, March 12th, 2021

Compact (2.3” x 6” x 3.5”) and lightweight (1.4lbs), the Universal Battery Charger Lite offers two cable-free charging port for each of the following batteries: BB-2590, AN/PRC-148 or AN/PRC-152, CWB and USB devices. There is also a High Power Inductive pad for cell phones as well as two input DC ports. Additionally, it includes a 6.5W aux DC port compatible with the Dell laptop AC adapter.

The UBC-L allows power harvesting from one battery type to another as well as collection from solar panels and car batteries. Three batteries and two USB devices can be simultaneously charged. Typical battery charging is 2.5 hours.

Displays charging power, state of charge and state of health.

Units and agencies can procure Thales comminication gear by contacting Atlantic Diving Supply.

Safariland Debuts New Liberator Single and Dual-Channel Communication Headsets

Thursday, March 4th, 2021

Safariland®, a brand of The Safariland Group, a leading global provider of safety products designed for the public safety, military, professional and outdoor markets, is excited to announce the next generation of Safariland Liberator® headset. The new Liberator® IV/V communications headsets are easily adaptable to mission-specific needs, reduce hazardous noise and allow for active single-channel or dual-channel communication.

“The new Liberator IV and V mark the pinnacle of Safariland’s comms development,” stated James Imhoff, VP & GM of Diversified Products at Safariland. “The Liberator IV is an advanced, single-channel headset system utilizing the newly designed TCI multi-mode Earcup. For those who need dual-channel functionality, we’ve updated the Liberator V. Law enforcement and military users alike can confidently utilize these robust products in any tactical situation. The Liberators provide the ultimate protection while enabling clear communication—both of which are crucial for maximal situational awareness.”

The Liberator IV is the first multi-mode, dual fuel single communications headset on the market. This single communications channel package is a 100% US designed and manufactured tactical headset. The Dual Fuel system allows the Liberator IV to run on two AAA or one CR123 battery. The headset offers operational modes for all high noise situations. The Liberator IV can protect against impulse noise, like gun fire, and steady state noise, like operating on a helicopter. It is the first headset with user audio profiles modifiable with simple keystrokes on the headset. MSRP $647-$857.

The Liberator V adds updated dual-channel communications to the Liberator platform. These are the ultimate dual channel circumaural headphones. This system gives military and law enforcement end users the confidence to utilize communications networks using mixed encryption in any tactical environment and are equipped with Safariland’s Radio Audio Channel Enhancement (R.A.C.E) technology that can play incoming audio in stereo and isolate simultaneous dual-channel feeds. R.A.C.E allows for natural replication of audio communication and clear channel delineation during overlaps. MSRP $695-$850.

FEATURES
• First of its kind Multi-Profile Tactical Headset: Active Noise Reduction (ANR), Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and Dual Mode with ANR/ANC simultaneously.
• Backwards compatible with TCI single communications systems.
• Industry leading sound localization for maximum situational awareness and threat detection.
• Multiple single communications Push-to-Talk options available.
• Proprietary high-definition speakers and speaker enclosures.
• Advanced RF and TDMA PCB protection technology.
• Boom microphone featuring advanced RF and Acoustics Interference Shielding.
• Adaptive headset suspension can be easily changed with no tools between over-the-head, behind-the-head, or helmet rail mounted options.
• Proprietary, slim earcup design layered with sound barrier technology.
• The Liberator V adds R.4 dual communications Push-to-Talk available – compatible with R.A.C.E.

safariland.com

Mission Essential Gear – Tactical Communications Handbook

Monday, March 1st, 2021

Now available, the Tactical Communications Handbook from Mission Essential Gear. Built in the THULS platform.

Subjects:
-Basic Radio Principles
-Basic Radio Wave Properties
-Basic Antenna Theory
-Antenna Selection
-Radio Operator Resources
-Field Antenna Repair
-Field Expedient Antennas
-SINCGARS Julian Date Calendar
-PROWORDS

www.megearco.com

Newest Handheld Leader Radios Get Tested by Elite Army Airborne Forces

Wednesday, February 24th, 2021

FORT BRAGG, North Carolina – Airborne Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR), 82nd Airborne Division, completed almost two weeks testing the Army’s newest small leader radio (LR) packages.

“Soldiers of the 82nd Airborne Division demonstrated tactical communications at its finest during the initial operational test,” said Maj. Brian Ramirez, Leader Radio (LR) Test Officer with the Fort Hood-based U.S. Army Operational Test Command’s Mission Command Test Directorate (MCTD).

The Handheld, Manpack and Small (HMS) Form Fit/Tactical Radio variants are two-channel handhelds, used at the company and platoon levels by squad and team leaders to talk to each other and to aircraft to improve battlefield situational awareness.

Ramirez said the LR system is designed as an interoperable family of advanced software-reprogrammable, dual-channel, net-centric reliable communications radio sets.

The Generation 2 Manpack (MP) Radio is a two-channel, software defined, multi-waveform, General Purpose User (GPU) radio designed to support mounted and dismounted operations.

Explaining the two systems in non-technical, every-day terms, Ramirez said, “This initial operational test of radio capabilities gave the Army the opportunity to demonstrate the current and future of tactical communications.”

The HMS MP will be fielded primarily to Brigade Combat Team (BCT) Battalions, Companies, and Platoons.

The GEN2 MP is deployed in three configurations: a Tactical Operations Center (TOC) kit for command posts; mounted configurations integrated into the Army’s tactical and combat platforms; and a rucksack-held configuration to support Army dismounted operations.

Ramirez said operational testing of the radios are no different than an improved tank or new weapon system.

“These radio systems are subjected to weather, terrain, and the daily regimen of Light Infantrymen in an effort to replicate the actual operational environment to which they will be subjected if selected,” said Ramirez.

“Operational testing helps determine the effectiveness, suitability and survivability of operational systems Soldiers can use that works.”

The test, like many other previously routine operations, adjusted its daily operations to cope with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“Soldiers from the test unit and test team begin with daily COVID-19 screening and temperature checks;” Ramirez said. “This allowed the test team to identify and contain any possible transmission between specific bubbles.”

Once cleared into their specific environments, all attempts were made to maintain social distancing, between operations and test support functions, reducing interaction between test support personnel and test unit Soldiers.

“Operational Testing is about assisting the Army in providing modern software-defined radios with the latest technology for Soldiers,” said Col. Patrick Curry, director of MCTD.

“It is about making sure that the communication systems developed assist the Soldier in their mission and ensuring Soldiers are effective against all enemies in any operational environment.”

By Mr. Rick Michael, Mission Command Test Directorate, U.S. Army Operational Test Command

Associated link

Invisio Law Enforcement Kit

Monday, February 22nd, 2021

INVISIO builds on the experience from working with elite forces within the military when serving special intervention units resolving high risk challenges such as counter terror, hostage recovery, VIP protection, site protection during special events and assistance to other police departments fighting organized crime.

INVISIO T7

INVISIO over-the-ear hearing protection headsets offer a significant improvement compared to the traditional cup headset design, as it removes weight and complexity from the headset by centralizing operation of the headset to the INVISIO control unit.

• Over-the-Ear Headset
• Hearing Protection 28 dB SNR
• Boom Microphone
• 10 Meter Submersible
• Dual Sided
• 350 Grams
• Tan or Black

INVISIO X5

INVISIO in-the-ear headsets are compatible with helmets, eyewear, breathing apparatus and ear muffs. They utilize the INVISIO Bone Conducting Technology where vibrations from the user’s jawbone are converted into crystal clear communication.

• In-Ear Headset
• Hearing Protection (32 dB SNR/29 dB NRR)
• Bone Conduction Microphone
• 2 Meter Submersible
• Dual Sided
• 54 Grams
• Tan or Black

INVISIO Control Units

The INVISIO system is based on a range of control units and headsets that are fully interchangeable. Together they provide crystal clear communication and industry leading hearing protection and situational awareness.

The control units can interface with various headsets along with up to four com sources simultaneously, including radios, intercoms, mobile phones and computers. They start automatically when connected to a radio and provide a simple interface for operation of different coms and hear-thru modes.

The control units are small, rugged, lightweight and submersible down to 20 meters. They power directly form the attached radio, intercom or other central power supply.

www.invisio.com

Invisio – N-ear 360 3.5mm

Wednesday, February 10th, 2021

N-EAR 360 EARPIECE SINGLE – COILED 22” CABLE – 3.5MM CONNECTOR

The N-ear 360 earpiece is designed by Denmark’s leading in-ear experts to be the most comfortable, covert, and best sounding earpiece for 2-way radios.

The N-ear 360 is trusted by high-performance security teams around the world.

The N-ear 360 3.5mm can be used in the following ways:

Connecting to Speaker Mics – Simply plug in your N-ear 360 earpiece directly into your speaker mic audio port.

Connecting to Existing Earpiece Kits – To connect the N-ear 360 3.5mm to an existing earpiece kit, you will need to have an adaptor (part # AD-AT-3.5). See the “Converting Is Easy” photo.

Connecting to Radio – To connect your N-ear 360 3.5mm to a radio, you’ll need to have the Choice PTT/mic. Simply plug your 360 into the Choice PTT/mic. and then connect to your radio. At the time of ordering your Choice PTT/mic. you will tell us the radio model you are trying to connect to. See the “Wireless PTT” page.

WHAT’S IN THE BOX?
• 1 x N-ear 360 Earpiece
• 1 x Cable Clip
• 1 x Small Open Ear Tip
• 1 x Medium Double Flange Ear Tip
• 8 x Ear Wax Filters
• 1 x End-User Zipper Case (Black)
• 1 x User Guide

www.invisio.com