The new Fortis serves as a ultra-smart hub for up to three tactical radios, connects with many headsets, its housing can be quickly changed out (for aesthetics or necessity), and it’s submersible up to 20 meters.
www.silynxcom.com/product/fortis
Archive for the ‘Comms’ Category
Silynx Fortis
Sunday, January 17th, 2021US Army Space Company Replaces Communication System with Portable Alternative
Friday, January 15th, 2021
FORT CARSON, Colo. – The 1st Space Battalion’s 4th Space Company is trading in their old ground satellite terminals for a lightweight, portable option – the Ground Antenna Transmit and Receive.
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Carlos Gil, network management technician, 4th Space Company, said the GATR‘s portable design will provide the company the satellite terminal mobility Soldiers need in theater.
“It’s a lightweight, portable and durable system that will be beneficial in remote areas,” Gil said. “We can pack it in just two cases and we can set up in 30 minutes or less.”
4th Space Company provides support to geographical combatant commanders and U.S. Strategic Command by supplying critical information and timely data on the health and status of various satellites, ensuring reliable communication channels. This means being able to communicate from anywhere, even remote locations difficult to reach in large vehicles.
The GATR is replacing the company’s Secure Internet Router/Non-Secure Internet Protocol Router Access Point ground satellite terminals, which weigh 300-400 pounds and are typically transported in the back of high-mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles or helicopters.
The GATR, consisting of a flexible, inflatable ball and a dish, weighs approximately 25 pounds and can fit into two cases the size of checked airport baggage. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Nathan Paquette, a 4th Space Company network management technician, said it is small and light enough for Soldiers to carry.
“The antenna is easily deployable and provides the same high-bandwidth satellite communications as the larger, heavier SNAP ground satellite terminals,” Paquette said.
The company recently completed a 10-day training session to become familiar with assembling and operating the new system. All three companies in 1st Space Battalion will receive GATRs for field communications.
1st Space Battalion, which generates and provides space combat power for Army and joint forces to conduct global and continuous multi-domain planning and operations, is assigned to the 1st Space Brigade, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command
By SFC Aaron Rognstad (USASMDC)
Atlantic Signal Awarded $45 Million Hearing Enhancement and Communications Contract by USMC
Wednesday, January 13th, 2021Atlantic Signal is proud to announce it was recently awarded a 45-million dollar contract from the United States Marine Corps for Hearing Enhancement Devices (HED).
The original solicitation by the USMC was released in April of this year to provide a hearing protection headset with dual comm capability, a hearing protection-only headset, dual comm push-to-talk and radio cable assemblies for the CORPS’ 6 pin military radios and Motorola XTS commercial portables.
Proposal submittals and test and evaluation equipment was provided near the end of May and field test and evaluations were subsequently held utilizing the equipment provided by the various competitors.
Atlantic Signal submitted their exclusive 3M/Peltor ComTac V headset along with a hearing protection-only version of the headset. The Push-to-Talk submitted by Atlantic Signal was the company’s INVICTUS SS Dual Comm PTT over-molded in the CORPS’ required coyote color. The INVICTUS SS features twin shrouded actuation switches with a blackened steel MOLLE clip designed with multi-position capabilities allowing the end-user to position the PTT switched inboard or outboard when mounted to the vest. The INVICTUS SS push-to-talk also features two capped radio interface receptacles at the bottom of the housing. This system allows the user to connect a single or dual cable radio interface mix depending upon mission requirements. Further, the ComTac V headset chosen by the USMC features a custom cabled downlead designed and built by Atlantic Signal that provides radio RX in both earcups when a single radio cable is connected to the INVICTUS SS PTT and portable radio. When a second cable is connected the two incoming radio signals are automatically split between the headset’s two ear cups – offering ease of TX identification when two radio signals are being received at the simultaneously. The ComTac V headset features a removeable rubber sleeve from the over-the-head steel frame that captures the cables connecting the speakers and ambient environmental microphones in each ear cup. The company was also required to provide replaceable gel cups pads for the headsets along with an accessory rail connector (ARC) for helmet mounting each comms headset.
“We are proud to have been chosen by the USMC for the HED Program. We followed the HED proposal requirements adding some additional end-user features not necessarily requested and felt confident that our product mix would stand up against any competitor we faced. We were notified in mid-August that we had been chosen to provide the equipment requested in the USMC HED proposal only to have a disgruntled competitor file a protest with the USMC Program Office and SBA. The protest forced our company to assemble legal representation to address the litany of baseless claims made by the protestor which pushed the award out another 30 days. The protesting company’s claims were found to be undeserving and a decision was rendered in favor of Atlantic Signal. Unfortunately, the protestor appealed the decision again, further delaying our company’s ability to begin production planning and delivery of the initial 10 million dollars in equipment requested. Subsequently the protestor’s appeal was again found to be without merit and nearly a quarter year after the initial award was made to our company, we were finally able to begin production. The protestor’s actions accomplished nothing more than delaying delivery of critical equipment to our warfighters”, stated Randall Hedrick, President and Managing General Member of Atlantic Signal.
Atlantic Signal is based in Topeka, KS and specializes in the design, development and manufacture of ancillary devices for use with both Law Enforcement and Military radios worldwide. Along with the aforementioned USMC HED award, Atlantic Signal has also been awarded multi-year contracts with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s nationwide Special Operations Units (SOU), Critical Incident Response Group (CIRG) and Hostage Rescue Team (HRT), New York Police Department Emergency Services Units (ESU), United States Coast Guard Maritime Security & Support Teams (MSST), United States Coast Guard Maritime Security Response Teams (MSRT), Security Forces Assistance Brigade 3 (SFAB), United States Border Patrol and United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) among many others.
Silvus Retools StreamCaster Product Line for Spectrum Dominance
Tuesday, January 12th, 2021
Los Angeles, California (January 6, 2021) – Silvus Technologies, Inc. (“Silvus”) today announced the release of its newest radio models and waveform features designed to deliver reliable performance in congested and contested environments for an expanded variety of missions.
The release of the StreamCaster Lite 4200 (SL4200) represents not only the newest addition to the StreamCaster line, but also the smallest and lightest radio Silvus has ever offered. Designed for applications that are size, weight, and power (SWaP) or cost constrained, the SL4200 leverages Silvus’ Mobile Networked MIMO (MN-MIMO) waveform operating in narrowband channels as small as 1.25MHz.
Additionally, Silvus has announced 10W and 20W versions of the existing StreamCaster 4200 (SC4200) and StreamCaster 4400 (SC4400). Offering increased output power without an increase in size or weight, these high-power models are intended to deliver extended performance for long range applications.
Silvus has also expanded the capabilities of its Mobile Networked MIMO (MN-MIMO) waveform, with Spectrum Monitoring now included free on all SC4200 and SC4400 models. Additional MN-MIMO features include MANET Interference Avoidance (MAN-IA) and MANET Interference Cancellation (MAN-IC). The highest tier offering, the Spectrum Dominance Package, includes other Anti-Jam, LPI, and LPD features, and will be available to US Government end users only in early 2021.
“Backed by our leading MN-MIMO waveform, the expansion of the StreamCaster radio line marks a significant addition to the tactical communications environment,” said Jimi Henderson, Silvus Vice President of Sales. “Rounding out our suite of available products and licensable software options will allow us to deliver robust and reliable wireless communications for a wider variety of mission scenarios, providing Silvus users with capability overmatch in the spectrum domain.”
The SL4200 is immediately available, with 10W and 20W versions of the SC4200 and SC4400, and Spectrum Dominance waveform features being released later in the year. For more information on StreamCaster radios or to request a demo, visit silvustechnologies.com or email info@silvustechnologies.com.
Racal Acoustics Announce Major Headset Contract with Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO)
Monday, January 11th, 2021Racal Acoustics, the UK-based global designer and manufacturer of audio communications and protection systems has today announced a new contract to supply the Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO), with their RA4000 Magna digital headset system. The 7-year framework contract is worth up to USD $4.7 million and includes a full support package comprising of training, consumables and spares, plus an option to supply follow-on orders, as required.
The Racal Acoustics RA4000 Magna digital Active Noise Reduction (ANR) headset systems supplied under this contract include: the headset; a soft helmet liner; a ballistic helmet with integrated side-rails and NVG mount; and a downlead to connect the system to the in-vehicle intercom. Selected specifically to meet the needs of Leopard 1, Leopard 2 and CV90 heavy armoured vehicle crews, the RA4000 protects the crew from in-vehicle noise whilst enabling effective communication and situational awareness. The system also allows the user to dismount from the vehicle yet retain Active Noise Reduction (ANR) protection – powered by an integrated battery. As well as connecting the crew to the intercom, the system can be connected to remote communications devices, such as Personal Role Radio or other man-pack radios to allow the user to communicate with dismounted troops outside of the armoured vehicle crew environment. Already established as market leaders in military headset technology for high noise environments, this order further underlines Racal Acoustics as the global provider of choice for users wanting the very best protection whilst retaining optimum communication and situational awareness.
René Ulbjerg Toft, Deputy Technical Director, Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organization, Land Materiel Systems Division said: “when tendering for a framework agreement on new CVC helmets for the Danish Army, DALO was focused on choosing a tactical solution that could provide as much attenuation as possible, without compromising clear intercom and radio communication. Through thorough user tests we conclude, that the RA4000 system was the only solution, that could satisfy our comprehensive requirements and operate efficiently on the heavily armoured platforms. DALO is eager to put the RA4000 system in service, to ensure the safety of the soldiers and to benefit from the flexibility that the software defined solution provides”.
Alexandre Huart, Vice President – Sales and Marketing at Racal Acoustics said: “we’re all very proud of winning this order and we’re looking forward to delivering a first-class product and support service to the DALO”. He added: “the RA4000 system delivers exactly what was specified by the customer. Our future-proofed design allows the Racal Acoustics engineers to upgrade the integrated software to take account of our ongoing innovation activity – constantly striving to maintain our ‘best in class’ position and reputation”.
www.racalacoustics.com
Stryker Brigades Targeted for the Army’s Integrated Tactical Network
Saturday, January 9th, 2021ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND (APG), Md. (January 5, 2020) – Following the successful integration of its new more flexible and expeditionary network capability into dismounted units, the Army is now focused on delivering the same capabilities to Stryker brigade combat teams.
To produce uniform equipment packages for these Integrated Tactical Network (ITN) components across multiple Stryker variants, the Army has been conducting a Capability Set (CS) 21 ITN Stryker characterization effort with the 2nd Cavalry Regiment (2/CR), since April 2020. The effort will support the iterative modification of integrated ITN component designs into these vehicle platforms.
On the current timeline, the characterization will conclude in fiscal year (FY) 2022, making 2/CR the first Stryker unit equipped partially with CS21 ITN.
The Army first fielded CS21 ITN to the 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division in October 2020, with the next ITN fielding set for the 173rd Airborne Division this month.
“We are excited to move to this next phase of CS21, which will enhance mounted, on-the-move and at-the-quick-halt ITN capabilities,” said Lt. Col. Brandon Baer, product manager for Helicopter and Multi Mission Radios (HAMMR), assigned to the Program Executive Office for Command, Control, Communications-Tactical (PEO C3T).
The ITN approach injects new commercial components and network transport capabilities into the Army’s tactical network environment to provide maneuver brigades and below with smaller, lighter, faster and more flexible communications systems. Adding mounted ITN capabilities allows commanders to maintain battalion-wide terrestrial voice and data network and enables Soldiers to operate over the Secure But Unclassified (SBU) enclave while transitioning between dismounted and mounted operations.
“SBU continues to be the game-changing capability enabled by the ITN,” Baer said. “It allows data to be categorized according to its classification, which will be just as critical for our mounted units because data at battalion and below is often perishable and unclassified.”
To execute the CS21 ITN Stryker characterization, personnel from the HAMMR team are collaborating with engineers and technicians from the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) at the C5ISR Center Prototype Integration Facility (PIF), at APG. With Strykers at hand in the integration bay, the team will identify the most effective use of the limited space inside the vehicles, and then design and build the streamlined hardware required to integrate the ITN kits into the vehicles.
To ensure realistic operational requirements the PIF Team is directly collaborating with 2/CR, currently via video conferences due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.
“We have been conducting user juries remotely, which allowed the 2/CR Soldiers to show us their vehicle space restrictions, and in turn allows us to show them how much space our proposed designs will claim,” said Jim Leary, C5ISR PIF project engineer.
The 2/CR conducts missions using multiple commander and infantry carrier Stryker variants, with infantry carrier configurations most prevalent.
“Each vehicle within the 2/CR may require something unique to perform its mission, but our goal is to design a one-kit-fits-all variant approach,” Leary said.
The characterization led to the production of two unique ITN equipment kits. Kit one will be populated in almost every Stryker variant and features the mobile broadband kit for 4G LTE network capabilities, 2nd Generation Manpack radio, a mounted two-channel leader radio and a unique power distribution box, Leary said.
Kit two, slated for only the Command Vehicle Stryker variant, includes a Tactical Server Infrastructure computer, a Silvus radio, a Tactical Radio Integration Kit box, tactical cross domain solution and a power distribution unit, Leary said.
“Both kits will include various mounts, cabling, hardware and installation instructions, and will be adaptable to integrate into other 2CR tactical vehicles such as High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles, medium tactical vehicles (MTVs) and the MTV replacement, the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, if available,” he said.
The most recent video conference user jury with the 2CR featured the team’s final proposed component designs and recommendations on where to place them in the vehicles’ available space, Leary said.
“Our last review was mostly favorable,” Leary said. “Next we will send PIF-produced 3D models of the kits to the 2/CR so that they can confirm the space we’re claiming is accurate or provide an alternate location for unique vehicle configurations.”
Following a verification and validation effort to systematically assess each component’s performance, and provided COVID travel restrictions are lifted, PM TR and PIF personnel will travel to the 2/CR in Germany to integrate CS21 ITN into Strykers from May through August. The entire characterization effort will culminate with a squadron-level exercise in September 2021, which will lead to the formal evaluation of the next capability set, CS23, in FY 2022.
“Our goal is always to build a design that repeats itself over and over again as opposed to making a unique design for every vehicle,” Leary said. “In doing so we save money, reduce the logistics footprint across multiple vehicle types, but most importantly, we make it as easy as possible for integration efforts across the entire force.”
By Kathryn Bailey, PEO C3T Public Affairs
Garmin Acquires the GEOS International Emergency Response Coordination Center
Friday, January 8th, 2021We are pleased to announce that the GEOS IERCC has joined the Garmin family. The asset acquisition includes the International Emergency Response Coordination Center (IERCC) and GEOS membership benefits.
Garmin is committed to ensuring the IERCC continues its superior service as an industry-leading provider of emergency monitoring and response services. Together, we are dedicated to continuing to ensure that adventurers and travelers all over the world have access to 24/7 emergency assistance when they need it.
Here is the Press Release:
Garmin® International and Garmin Services, units of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), today announced the acquisition of substantially all the assets of GEOS Worldwide Limited and its subsidiaries. A privately held, industry leading provider of emergency monitoring and incident response services, GEOS Worldwide operates the International Emergency Response Coordination Center (IERCC), the nerve center for SOS rescue efforts triggered by Garmin’s inReach® personal satellite communicators. The IERCC’s skilled response coordinators have fielded more than 83,000 emergency incidents around the globe since 2007, including more than 5,000 SOS incidents generated by Garmin customers.
“With this acquisition, Garmin is now able to provide even more peace of mind to our inReach users,” said Brad Trenkle, vice president of Garmin’s outdoor segment. “In an emergency, every moment matters. The addition of the IERCC to the Garmin family reinforces our commitment to helping our active lifestyle customers make it home safe from their adventures.”
“GEOS has enjoyed a strong collaboration with Garmin over the years, and we look forward to continuing to work together to continue to provide best-in-class emergency response and safety services for customers around the globe,” said Peter Chlubek, GEOS executive chairman. “GEOS has been a force for good in this world, and I am very proud of our superb staff, who have helped to save over 12,000 lives in the 198 countries where we have provided our global service. This will now continue to grow and be further enhanced thanks to new synergies with Garmin.”
GEOS Worldwide’s primary operations are in Montgomery, Texas. Financial terms of the acquisition will not be released.
What is GEOS and the IERCC?
GEOS has been the leading global provider of safety and response solutions for over ten years. GEOS has also been home to the IERCC, a 24/7 monitoring center that has organized more than 11,000 emergency responses in 195 countries and territories since 2007, including all inReach® SOS incidents. The IERCC will continue its critical work under the Garmin brand.
Will there be any changes to the inReach SOS feature?
No, inReach SOS functionality will remain the same. When you trigger an SOS, the incident will still be handled by the dedicated team at the IERCC.
I have additional GEOS membership benefits. Are there any changes?
Garmin will honor the MEDEVAC and Search and Rescue (SAR) memberships provided by GEOS Travel Safety. You can continue to manage your membership(s) in the same method as you did prior to the acquisition.
Atlantic Signal Receives Orders in Excess of $2 Million for Below H2O Maritime Headset Originally Developed for US Naval Special Warfare
Thursday, January 7th, 2021(4 JAN 2021 Topeka, KS) Atlantic Signal recently received orders totaling in excess of 2 million dollars for the company’s Below H20 headset, various maritime push-to-talks assemblies and radio interface cables.
Atlantic Signal developed the Below H20 headset several years ago to meet the requirements established by USSOCOM for maritime communications and a Program of Record. Ultimately, the company was awarded a multi-year contract for the headset and accessories for Naval Special Warfare and MARSOC with deliveries beginning in 2018.
During the Below H20 headset’s development, the company began development of three all-new push-to-talk assemblies: * a single comm known as the Below H20 Single Comm Push-to-Talk, * a dual comm known as the Below H20 Dual and * a multi-comm Push-to-Talk known as the Anaconda. The company debuted an all-new Maritime multi-comm Push-to-Talk during the fourth quarter of 2020 known as the SHIELD. The SHIELD PTT was developed initially, specifically, for the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s nationwide Special Operations Units and Hostage Rescue Team. The PTT will be universally available to clients in early 2021.
USSOCOM’s maritime requirement changed several years ago for ancillary communication devices from a 2 hour / 20-meter exposure to 10 hours / 10 meters in both salt and freshwater.
Atlantic Signal began working with the 3M/Peltor ComTac headset to modify the ground/swimming headset traditionally offered by 3M (1 meter / 30 minutes). Modifications included multiple custom headset downleads, sealing of the earcups, development and manufacture of an ambidextrous boom microphone designed to withstand the harsh conditions associated with maritime operations / exposure and silicone replacement ear shell seals among other modifications.
While the initial orders from USSOCOM were specific to an interface to another company’s push-to-talk, the demand for alternative PTTs from non-program clients was overwhelming.
“We were receiving sometimes weekly calls requesting alternative push-to-talks to the model the program office had chosen for one specific client at the time of the contract award which was Naval Special Warfare, stated Randall Hedrick, President and Managing General Member of Atlantic Signal. “We recognized at that point that the demand for a new maritime headset for the U.S. Military must include alternative push-to-talks. We reached out immediately to our select group of military and Federal law enforcement clients who assist us with the development of nearly every single product we eventually bring to market. The requirements were across the board and we therefore decided to design and manufacture multiple maritime push to talks simultaneously. From meetings, to design, 3D model and functioning prototypes, re-works and eventual production – the total time was less than 90 days before products were completed and an initial purchase was made. This scenario is indicative of how we operate. There is a demand, we hold meetings with the client and assess marketability. Traditionally a decision is made internally within one week whether or not to move forward. Once a project is accepted, CAD drawings are created and sent to the client. After discussions with the client, non-functioning 3D models are generated and shipped out. Further meetings are held with the client and modifications made to the 3D model. Following ergonomic acceptance, functioning prototypes are created and shipped for user fielding. Once accepted, first articles are produced, a bill of materials is generated, production time studies are completed and eventually a new product is born and introduced to the marketplace. I’ve literally seen concepts brought to the table by clients and a finished product ready for the market within 30 days. It is commonplace for us to be in the development, prototype and production phases of multiple products simultaneously. We have become highly adept at meeting customer expectations in a timeframe rarely achieved by others”, stated Hedrick.
The Below H20 headset, PTTs and cables have proven to be highly sought after solutions for both the U.S. and foreign militaries as it has been over two decades since a new circum-aural maritime headset had been available. The company offers simple maritime PTT solutions all the way to PTTs that will interface up to four nets, various ICS platforms and smartphones all in EMI shielded designs with added cross banding capabilities. The company has developed and manufactures maritime radio cable assemblies for old school PRC 148 and 152 radios to modern day multi-band portables including manufacturers such as Trellisware, Silvus, Thales and Harris RF.
The Below H20 headset, maritime PTT solutions and various accessories including custom cables can be viewed on the company’s website at www.atlanticsignal.com.
