Designed to fit the AN/PRC-152 family of radios, the LBT Light Modular Comms Pack can be configured with shoulder straps or attached to armor back panel. It features industry standard zippers and PALS compatible zipper adapters are available for vests without integrated zippers.
There’s a zippered outer mesh pocket at the back of the pack and the radio can be accessed via a U-shaped zipper. Additional top access is provided through a flap which secures via Velcro.
Users have been asking OTTO to integrate their NoizeBarrier Micro in-ear hearing protection with their other comms systems like the H3 seen here. The issue has been that they didn’t want encrypted comms going into a Bluetooth enabled earpiece.
They made it happen by introducing a new earpiece with dual leads. This way the signals are kept separate.
It works with the H3, Listen Only and Surveillance kits.
Thyrm is launching a limited run of DarkVault-Comms gear cases in MultiCam and MultiCam Black soon.
Spectra Group (UK) Ltd, world-leading provider of high-grade information security and communication capabilities, has announced the addition of a new product to their portfolio: the SlingShot Tactical Operations Centre System (STOCS). Spectra’s STOCS adds additional capability and operability to the already hugely successful SlingShot tactical satellite communications system.
STOCS is a specially designed and modified version of SlingShot that allows the user to communicate beyond line of sight (BLOS) while being up to 35 meters from the antenna. Because it operates on L-Band, the current configuration limits the current SlingShot system to being operated at a remote distance of up to 10 meters (depending on system type) from the antenna, which in most operational scenarios is sufficient, for example, in a vehicle or when dismounted. However, in response to customer requests, the new STOCS variant of SlingShot enables the user to now operate in more enclosed locations such as a command HQ, a tactical operations room, any type of building, a protected bunker or when dug in. In all scenarios, by placing the antenna away from the operator they can remain in cover whilst still effectively communicating via the satellite. The STOCS hardware has been ruggedized and weatherproofed (IP67) to enable the user to leave it in a more exposed position, such as a rooftop, without any risk to the electronics.
In April 2019, Spectra’s SlingShot was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Innovation. SlingShot is a unique, lightweight system that enables existing, in-service tactical military and commercial VHF/UHF radios to utilise commercial L-band satellite coverage (COMSATCOM). The technology delivers Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) Comms on the Move (COTM) with low-latency voice and data connectivity to radio networks for ground, vehicle, maritime and airborne platforms. SlingShot’s unique capability provides reliable, secure communications between widely dispersed military forces and/or civilian agencies operating in austere and hostile environments, without the cost, delay or logistical challenges of deploying additional infrastructure. Over 3500 SlingShot systems are in operation worldwide in the Manpack, Vehicle, Maritime and Aviation variants. Spectra Group’s new STOCS now adds further capability for existing and future users of the wider SlingShot system.
Simon Davies, CEO of Spectra Group said: “the launch of the new STOCS product enhances our offering and adds significant additional capability to the user. Effective communication is a fundamental part of command and control centre operations so being able to use SlingShot in these scenarios is a game changer for global special forces and other defence and security units or organisations”. He added: “here at Spectra Group we’re very focused on innovation and we’re constantly working to evolve and enhance our product and service offering. The addition of STOCS to our product line is a great example of that. We’ve listened to what our customers need and developed STOCS to deliver the required capability enhancements”.
Racal Acoustics, the UK-based global designer and manufacturer of audio communications and protection systems has today launched a brand new website (www.racalacoustics.com). To coincide with this, they have also signed a contract with PR and advertising agency, Chamois Consulting Ltd. Under this contract Chamois will provide an integrated marketing, communications and advertising service with a particular focus on brand communications and PR. They have a clear remit to raise the profile and awareness of the Racal Acoustics brand, globally.
This website launch is a key step in extending brand awareness for Racal Acoustics whose specialist audio communications and protection systems are regarded globally as the finest on offer. Racal’s range of headsets and supporting products and services have been used by global forces consistently since the 1950’s. Today, they still offer the very best technology to provide effective communication, hearing protection and situational awareness across the tri-service battlefield.
Alexandre Huart, Vice President – Sales and Marketing at Racal Acoustics said: “launching our new website is a proud moment for our entire team as we continue our journey of solidifying the Racal Acoustics name across the global marketplace”. He added: “having led the build of our new website over the last four months, we’re very pleased to extend our initial contract with Chamois to include their wider PR and advertising services. Together, we’ll be working hard to improve our brand awareness, our profile and our sales”.
Jamie Clarke, CEO at Chamois said: “signing this new contract is great news for the team here at Chamois. Adding Racal Acoustics to our already strong portfolio further underlines what we have to offer our clients here at Chamois and we’re very much looking forward to continuing our journey together with Racal Acoustics”. He added: “prior to signing the PR and advertising contract with Racal Acoustics, we worked together with one of our partner agencies to design and build the new website. We’re all very pleased with what’s now live and can be seen by everyone. Please do take a look around the new site”.
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 release of their full line of hearing protection featuring patent pending impulse technology available in two different in-ear models, or together with the Impulse Range Kit.
“My ability to communicate well when on a hot line during a class is imperative,” stated Rob Leatham, 24-time USPSA National champion. “All hearing protection is not created equal and the fact that I can hear as well as I do is a testament to the usefulness of top-quality hearing protection. That I can hear every word and every sound on the range is due to the clarity and comfort of Safariland hearing protection.”
At the heart of Safariland’s Impulse line is the patent-pending Impulse Filter Technology. These filters provide a consistent reduction of 13dB. Sudden loud noises are reduced by up to 38dB. The complete protection blocks damaging noise while allowing conversation and other ambient sounds in—and all without the need for batteries. Single shots, explosions, automatic rifle fire, artillery, impulse and impact noise are all reduced to safe levels. Impulse Hearing Protection fits inside the ear and can be supplemented with traditional over-ear hearing protection for even greater levels of noise reduction.
Safariland’s Foam Impulse Hearing Protection earbuds ($14.99 MSRP) instantly block large sound waves, while permitting low-level audio waves to be heard. The Foam Impulse ear buds are washable and can be worn all day.
Features:
• Instantly reduces dangerous sound levels while allowing speech and audio to be heard
• Impulse Mode = 38db Peak Impulse Reduction + 13dB Continuous Reduction
• Full-Block Mode = 20db Continuous Reduction
• Universal-fit, memory foam tips
• Removable neck cord
• No batteries required
• Ideal for the shooting range, hunting, tactical training or operational missions
Safariland’s Pro Impulse Hearing Protection ($19.99) cuts up to 33dB. The Pro Impulse earplugs are made from a proprietary material that conforms to the dimensions of the ear canal, allowing for long-wearing comfort.
Features:
• Filters automatically engage to protect hearing
• Still allows for ambient audio
• Includes key chain aluminum transport/storage case
• No batteries required
• Two sizes of ear inserts included with each pair of filters
Safariland’s new Impulse Range Kit ($39.99 MSRP) includes both Foam Impulse earbuds and the new Ultra Compact Earmuffs. The Foam Impulse Earbuds may be worn alone, or under the Ultra Compact Earmuffs for an additional 20dB of constant protection. The Impulse Range Kit also includes Safariland’s HD Flex Protective Eyewear. These fog-proof, scratch-resistant polycarbonate lenses provide multi-directional eye protection.
Features:
Foam Impulse Hearing Protection
• Instantly reduces dangerous sound levels while still allowing speech and audio to be heard
• Wear at all times to protect from surrounding gun fire, even when not shooting
Ultra Compact Earmuffs
• Use as second layer of protection over Impulse Hearing Protection, especially indoors
• Compact fold for easy storage
HD Flex Protective Eyewear
• Anti-fog, scratch-resistant, HD polycarbonate lenses
• Adjustable temple angle and length
CARLSBAD, Calif. and SIMI VALLEY, Calif., Oct. 15, 2020 — Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global communications company, and AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), today announced they will collaborate on a contract awarded under the U.S. Army Reconfigurable Communications for Small Unmanned Systems (RCSUS) initiative. The project will provide U.S. military customers flying small UAS platforms the ability to deploy a robust, on-demand, highly-secure communications network that will address the growing electronic warfare capabilities of peer and near-peer adversaries.
Viasat is the prime contractor on the award and will work with AeroVironment to develop and demonstrate advanced, encrypted communications suitable for AeroVironment’s portable, hand-launched Puma AE™ tactical UAS. The two companies will seek to strengthen the communications and transmission security of AeroVironment’s Digital Data Link™ (DDL) radios currently used by the U.S. Army by converting them into a Type 1 crypto communication system for video and data transmission.
In addition, Viasat and AeroVironment will develop critical interoperability standards for enabling UAS to generate a secure, digitally encrypted communications network—for protecting classified data and improving waveform performance in jamming environments—via the embedded DDL waveform. They will also create a standardized communications architecture that will allow UAS to access spectrum quickly and easily, especially when operating in contested environments.
“Viasat’s robust military-grade cryptography and electronic countermeasure tactical waveform design will enable quick expansion of secure communications to a variety of small unmanned systems operating at the tactical edge,” said Ken Peterman, president, Government Systems, Viasat. “By collaborating with AeroVironment, an established leader in the tactical UAS sector, we can help the U.S. Army set new waveform standards that maximize connectivity and minimize the risk of signal intercept.”
Currently, tens of thousands of AeroVironment tactical unmanned aircraft are deployed around the world and are capable of serving as secure, digital network communication nodes for on-demand, mesh network applications in various operating environments.
“As U.S. forces plan for the potential of operating against peer and near-peer military adversaries possessing advanced electronic warfare capabilities, the need for even more secure communication capabilities is rapidly increasing,” said Scott Newbern, AeroVironment chief technology officer. “We will work with Viasat to provide customers requiring enhanced, secure communication capabilities with a portable, practical solution for maintaining secret-level communications via tactical unmanned aircraft systems operating at the battlefield’s edge.”
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. —
The 621st Mobility Support Operations Squadron is adding another weapon to an already stocked arsenal to enhance situational awareness and tactical edge for its air mobility liaison officers.
The Infrared Zoom Laser Illuminator Designator will replace the dated signal light gun currently used by AMLOs to signal and direct aircraft.
“AMLOs use this equipment in a tactical environment, designating the landing zone for inbound aircraft,” said Maj. Stephen Quinn, 621st MSOS AMLO. “The IR beam is covert, but highly visible for the night vision goggle-wearing aircrew, and allows the AMLO to easily guide the aircraft to the threshold.”
The IZLID is a compact, lightweight infrared laser used for pointing and marking by military forces. The laser is a powerful long-range illuminator, small enough to fit in the user’s pocket and sufficient enough to direct airstrikes.
The new laser is “covert and portable compared to the old light guns,” said Quinn, and more effective in a tactical environment.
“The most important aspect is enhanced situational awareness for aircrew at the push of a button,” Quinn said. “Landing zone approach lights vary in effectiveness, but a quick lase with the IZLID can prevent a crew from selecting the wrong aimpoint.”
The expectation is to utilize the IZLID for all future landing zone operations in-theater. The squadron is planning on purchasing five IZLIDs for deployment use and in garrison training.
“It’s awesome and worth the price,” Quinn said. “AMLOs are basically Jedis already, and this gives us a lightsaber to help with the job.”
A win for AMLOs is a win for the whole squadron.
“Every day, week, month, and year we get closer and closer to what is needed for MSOS and AMLO Nation equipment-wise,” said Staff Sgt. Sededrick Parks, 621st MSOS supply and equipment manager. “I believe this equipment has catapulted us further in that direction.”
By TSgt Luther Mitchell Jr., 621st Contingency Response Wing Public Affairs
