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Archive for the ‘Comms’ Category

USMC Seeks Hearing Enhancement Devices

Friday, September 7th, 2018

Currently, the USMC has a requirement for between 7000 and 65000 hearing enhancement devices over the next three years to be used in conjunction with, or in lieu of, the current Combat Arms Earplugs Marines already wear.

USMC photo by Staff Sgt. Ezekiel KitandweThe goal is to protect Marines’ hearing while increasing their situational awareness through a suite of devices. The systems can be circumaural (headset) or intra-aural (inner ear) but must include versions that are both communications enabled and versions that are not communications enabled. Regardless, they must work with Marine radios and the Enhanced Combat Helmet.

Consequently, the Marines have issued a Request for Information to industry.

In a press release, Steven Fontenot, project officer for Hearing, Eye Protection and Loadbearing Equipment in Program Manager Infantry Combat Equipment at Marine Corps Systems Command related, “Marines have the earplugs and they do provide protection, but sometimes they choose not to wear them because they want to be aware of their surroundings at all times. The new headset we want to acquire will allow Marines to wear hearing protection, yet still provide the opportunity to communicate and understand what is going on around them.”

He also explained that in February they seeded sample headsets to 220 infantry, artillery, reconnaissance and combat engineer Marines to ask their opinions on fit, form, function and comfort. Testing was conducted at the Air Force Research Laboratory and during live fire exercises with the Infantry Training Exercise 2018. Recon Marines also took headsets to Norway to conduct cold weather training and were pleased with the performance.

Based on the RFI, PM ICE plans to evaluate additional systems from industry, with procurement of systems beginning in 2020.

Posted in Comms, Contracts, USMC | 3 Comments »

MODTAC Antenna Keeper Now Available

Thursday, August 30th, 2018

Created by a pair of SF NCOs, the Antenna Keeper allows one-handed adjustment of VHF whip antenna length. No more rubber bags and folding.

The device is inexpensive and causes the antenna to roll rather than crease, increasing the lifespan of the antenna and avoiding a break while out on patrol.

www.modtac.us/product/antenna-keeper

Tags: MODTAC
Posted in Comms, Veterans | 2 Comments »

Widget Wednesday: PTX SAT-P Android App

Wednesday, August 29th, 2018

The latest Widget created by the Brainboxes at Protonex is the PTX Situational Awareness Tool for Power (PTX SAT-P). The SAT-P provides an all-in-one solution for managing your PTX SPM-622 Squad Power Manager from your Android phone or tablet.

The app allows users to easily monitor their energy usage in real time and to quickly see key information such as:
• What devices are connected and consuming power?
• What power source is connected and in use?
• How long will the battery last at present rate?

The app also allows users to monitor and update their Power Manager firmware version.

The PTX SAT-P App requires a phone or tablet that will accept an external keypad and is running Android 5.0 or higher, and is available on the Google Play Store at: play.google.com/store/apps/details

For more information about PTX power management systems from Protonex, visit: www.PTXnomad.com

Posted in Advertiser, Comms, Guest Post, Power, Tac Apps | 1 Comment »

Viasat’s AN/PRC-161 BATS-D Handheld Link 16 Radio Receives NSA Authorization for Use by International Military Forces

Monday, August 27th, 2018

AN/PRC-161 BATS-D Radio Can Significantly Strengthen Coordination and Communications between U.S., Five Eyes Partners and Coalition Forces Operating at the Tactical EdgeCARLSBAD, Calif., Aug. 22, 2018 — Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ : VSAT), a global communications company, today announced its Battlefield Awareness and Targeting System – Dismounted (BATS-D) device, known to the United States Department of Defense as the AN/PRC-161, is now authorized by the National Security Agency (NSA) for immediate use by Five Eyes (FVEY) partners and coalition forces, worldwide. The Viasat BATS-D radio bridges a critical gap between air and ground forces by providing real-time fused air/ground situational awareness to coordinate and direct forces instantaneously via machine-to-machine interface.

The terminal offers warfighters at the tactical edge secure, reliable access to integrated air and ground data for improved situational awareness capabilities and enhanced close air support communications. Empowered with better communications, warfighters can more rapidly engage enemy targets and reduce the risk of fratricide incidents.

“Viasat has a deep and enduring commitment to working with allies and coalition partners to improve warfighter safety by enhancing mission effectiveness and communications,” said Ken Peterman, president, Government Systems, Viasat. “Viasat’s AN/PRC-161 BATS-D is the world’s first and only handheld Link 16 radio. It is designed to solve the military’s urgent need for a small, secure Link 16 device capable of being employed by a dismounted operator that can seamlessly interoperate between air and ground forces. With NSA authorization we can speed the time to market for how U.S., FVEY and coalition militaries securely communicate and deter threats on the battlefield.”

The patented AN/PRC-161 BATS-D handheld radio is ideal for bringing full Link 16 network access to FVEY Special Operations and Expeditionary Forces. Security innovations in the AN/PRC-161 BATS-D handheld Link 16 radio, including Type 1 encryption, allow for seamless interoperability with other Link 16 radios such as the Multifunctional Information Distribution System Low Volume Terminal (MIDS-LVT), MIDS Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS JTRS) and KOR-24A Small Tactical Terminal (STT).

Tags: ViaSat
Posted in Comms, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Introducing SPARK, Exclusively from Unity Tactical

Tuesday, July 31st, 2018

SPARK is a tiny personal identification/marking light with a big personality. Originally designed for the safety of workers on oil platforms, SPARK is a practically unnoticeable addition to helmets, plate carriers, or chest rigs. SPARK is easily activated by pressing its center. It is cycled on/off by pressing it again. A positive click can be felt when the light is not placed in a spot visible to the user. SPARK is fully encapsulated, making it water resistant in a flexible silicon body. The LED will blink red when activated. SPARK is backed with Velcro for ready placement on tactical and industrial gear.

SPARK features a non-replaceable battery with a 200+ Hour runtime.

It’s a perfect addition to your Tactical, Industrial Safety, or Outdoors Adventure gear at an affordable price of only $12. Contact info@unitytactical.com for quantity pricing for government agencies, dealers, and tactical trainers. In stock and shipping now!

www.unitytactical.com

Posted in Advertiser, Comms, Press Release | 11 Comments »

LBT Inc – Small Modular Comms Pack

Thursday, July 19th, 2018

LBT Inc displayed their new Small Modular Comms Pack during last week’s ADS Warrior East.

The pack was designed for the specifically for the AN/PRC-117G, but is capable of holding other models thanks to its internal strap adjustment. It also features a hook and loop window at the top to access keypad/comms jacks.

In addition to removable, padded shoulder straps, the pack will attach to various platforms via a zip-off, integrated PALS panel.

*The pictures taken at Warrior East represent the latest model while the Black zippered version is an early prototype.

www.lbtinc.com

Tags: LBT Inc
Posted in Comms, Packs, Warrior Expo | 2 Comments »

Persistent Systems, LLC To Launch New Auto-Tracking Antenna System For MPU5 Radio

Wednesday, July 18th, 2018

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Persistent Systems, LLC (“Persistent”) announced today the introduction of the Auto-Tracking Antenna System, the new portable ground-to-air antenna that operates on the Wave Relay® mobile ad hoc network (MANET). Designed to incorporate aircraft into the MANET, the Auto-Tracking Antenna System is a complete, easy-to-assemble system, built to match the performance standards users have come to expect from Persistent.

“The Auto-Tracking Antenna System represents a major step towards achieving the vision of a truly networked battlefield,” said Herb Rubens, CEO of Persistent Systems. “The tracking antenna rotates to follow air assets, keeping them connected to the MANET. The air platforms orbit over our users on the ground, extending the MANET bubble and keeping soldiers connected to the enterprise. High throughput, low latency connectivity empowers the warfighter and decreases the dependence on SATCOM, which both reduces cost and increases network availability.”

Designed for ease-of-use, quick assembly, and portability, the Auto-Tracking Antenna System can be assembled and deployed in less than 15 minutes. The portable and lightweight design is completely collapsible, with the main five-foot parabolic dish breaking down into eight individual petals. The entire system fits into most standard-sized SUVs for easy transport and compact storage.

Mimicking the MPU5’s modular RF structure, the Auto-Tracking Antenna System has interchangeable S-Band, L-Band, and C-Band MIMO feeds that allow it to cover all frequencies where Persistent’s five radio modules operate. The antenna feeds twist-lock into place for quick and simple installation. An Automatic Heading System enables the tracking antenna to self-calibrate prior to operation for greater precision and less than one-degree pointing accuracy.

“Our customers require a system that is simple to put together, turn on, and works,” said Louis Sutherland, Vice President of Business Development at Persistent Systems, LLC. “They want to extend the Wave Relay® MANET out to aircraft and achieve high data-rates and reliable HD video transmission. The Auto-Tracking Antenna System truly delivers.” The large parabolic dish enables video streaming out to distances of 130 miles (over 200km) while maintaining high throughput and strong signal strength.

Combining the precisely aimed tracking system with the MPU5 radio and Wave Relay® MANET achieves optimal connectivity and reliable communications for manned and unmanned aircraft to communicate further than ever before. The antenna is IP67 rated and built to endure harsh environments and weather, so it can be setup and left out for as long as the mission requires.

Persistent is now accepting orders for the Auto-Tracking Antenna System.

www.persistentsystems.com

Tags: Persistent Systems
Posted in Comms, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Raptor Tactical Athena – Antenna Relocation Kit

Monday, July 9th, 2018

Offered in conjunction with Disco 32, the Raptor Tactical Athena – Antenna Relocation Pouch, allows you to place your antenna where you want it on your kit, up to 24″ away from your radio.

Features:

• Proper RF Connectors for your radio

• Raptor Tactical Athena Relocation Pouch

• Hardened cable with abrasion resistant sheathing

• Elastic for the antenna whip

• Available in Multicam, Coyote, Ranger Green, Black

• Made in USA