Archive for the ‘Comms’ Category
CPS Puts goTenna’s Pro X & ATAK to the Test, Under Canopy
Tuesday, November 13th, 2018Battle Sight Technologies – MARC IR
Monday, October 22nd, 2018
The MARC IR (Marking Appliance Reusable Chemiluminescence – Infrared) is a pressure-activated chemiluminescence writing instrument that facilitates written or graphic communication in low-light and no-light conditions with the capability to be invisible to the enemy.
AUSA 18 – Shakespeare
Tuesday, October 9th, 2018
Shakespeare Company showed a new antenna head to be mounted on the Rolatube mast. It weighs just 2.5 lbs and accommodates up to 50w of power (think vehicle radio) in the 30-88 MHz range, which is the same as the OE-254 and Com 201B.
Contact TJ Gilroy for additional details on this product.
Orolia Introduces SecureFind Wearable Combat Search and Rescue Beacon
Tuesday, October 9th, 2018Dual-mode supports combat missions, even in GPS-denied environments
Washington, D.C. – October 8, 2018 – Orolia, the world leader in Assured Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) solutions, introduces its latest military technology innovation, the SecureFind™ Combat Rescue Beacon at the 2018 AUSA Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C.
In addition to protecting our most critical assets and leaving no one behind, Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) technology can significantly enhance military operations by avoiding the loss of sensitive information and technology, avoiding hostage situations and helping to prevent conflict escalation.
SecureFind is based on Orolia’s proven search and rescue technology suite, backed by more than 30 years of world-leading innovation and selected by military forces for CSAR missions. The wearable base unit includes an open channel search and rescue solution, for military use in training or test mode. It can also be configured with a customer-defined, secure channel solution for covert operations. This versatile CSAR solution operates with a silent, push-button functionality that does not require voice activation. SecureFind enables military forces to precisely and safely execute CSAR missions, with optional Assured PNT technology that prevents GPS signal interference, spoofing and jamming.
“There is no greater need for urgency, stealth and precision than when military personnel are isolated in rugged environments or behind enemy lines,” said Orolia VP Defense Programs, Paul Zweers. “As the only end-to-end provider of Assured PNT technology, Orolia is proud to introduce SecureFind for covert military operations – even when GPS signals are unavailable.”
“Software-defined, wearable communications technology is now more important than ever on today’s air, land, sea and cyber battlefields,” said Orolia CEO Jean-Yves Courtois. “CSAR missions are just the beginning of potential uses for this resilient military technology, which can ensure reliable positioning, navigation and timing data in any operating environment. Orolia’s solutions are tailored to support today’s soldiers and engineered with a view toward the future of global military networks.”
The standard SecureFind solution is available at a price point that could enable thousands of warfighters to benefit from this new battlefield technology. More advanced functionality is also available, such as the ability to change signals on-the-go for additional security, to detect and mitigate GPS jamming and spoofing, and to generate important strategic information such as virtual battlefield maps of jamming and spoofing activity.
Orolia offers a cost-effective, modular approach to Assured PNT, with a flexible, open architecture that integrates easily with legacy systems. This layered platform meets critical technology requirements without over-engineering a solution that is complex, expensive and difficult to maintain. Additional SecureFind product information is available at the AUSA Annual Meeting, Orolia Booth #8051.
MCTSSA Conducts Systems Operability Testing Aboard USS Boxer
Sunday, October 7th, 2018CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.—Engineers and technical experts from Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity conducted systems operability testing in September aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) in support of 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit operations.
Amphibious warships must be able to sail in harm’s way and provide a rapid buildup of combat power ashore in the face of opposition. This requires cyber-enabled network Marines to integrate shipboard systems, and provide combatant commanders real-time command and control capabilities.
Capt. Victor Castro (left), Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity engineer, provides over-the-shoulder training to Cpl. Jonathan Parlett (right), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit data systems administer, during systems operability testing aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) Sept. 5. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sky M. Laron)
“Whether you are fighting the ship or assaulting an objective, communications and information management are critical for mission success,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Ronald Dowdell, Boxer’s commanding officer. “The MCTSSA experts that came aboard the ship enhanced Navy and Marine Corps integration, and also enabled Boxer [Amphibious Ready Group] to become a more lethal force.”
The 11th MEU is a forward-deployed, flexible sea-based Marine air-ground task force capable of conducting amphibious operations, crisis response and limited contingency operations, to include enabling the introduction of follow-on forces and designated special operations in order to support the theater requirements of geographic combatant commanders.
The primary objective for the MCTSSA team was to assist the 11th MEU in integrating tactical command, control, communications and computers—or C4—systems into the afloat environment.
Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity engineers and technical experts tested various command and control systems in the afloat environment aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) Sept. 4-7 (From left: Derrek Bond, Rudy Banzali, Joe St. Onge, Will Santiago). (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sky M. Laron)
For Marines aboard ship, the Landing Force Operations Center, or LFOC, is the primary space for leaders to plan and execute amphibious operations. The functions of the LFOC mirror those of a Combat Operations Center, controlling and monitoring all landing force activities until command is established ashore.
“The support received from MCTSSA enabled months’ worth of troubleshooting systems checks to be completed in days, setting the stage for the 11th MEU to move forward with greater confidence in our amphibious C4 systems,” said Capt. Jeffrey Robbins, 11th MEU assistant communications officer.
The time spent optimizing systems in the LFOC and Supporting Arms Coordination Center allowed the MEU to validate critical satellite communications and digital fires systems, which will be used to plan and execute landing force fire support and amphibious operations, said Robbins.
Brig. Gen. A.J. Pasagian (right), commander of Marine Corps Systems Command, speaks with Capt. Ronald Dowdell (left), USS Boxer commanding officer, Sept. 13, aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4). The familiarization tour came one week after engineers and technical experts from Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity conducted systems operability testing aboard the ship. (U.S. Navy photo by MC2 David Ortiz)
“Both the 11th MEU and MCTSSA were equally invested in the effort,” said Capt. Caleb Wu, MCTSSA assistant naval systems integration officer. “It was great to see the two teams tackle difficult technical issues side by side.”
Many of the C4 systems integration issues that MEUs face at sea include: physical connectivity, power, space, network accessibility and throughput, data and voice communications, system configurations, information assurance and cybersecurity.
“MCTSSA’s presence onboard BOXER was absolutely invaluable, and they are the bridge that ensures that all blue in support of green communications suites are properly fine-tuned prior to the embarkation of the 11th MEU or any MEU,” said Ens. Joe Tran, Boxer communications officer. “All of our efforts are ultimately geared toward safe operations of the ship and supporting our combat power.”
Specifically, the testing supported engineering and risk reduction, identification, and possible elimination or development of work-arounds for any C4 interoperability issues.
“By resolving many of those concerns months prior to their first ‘at sea’ period, the 11th MEU is far more prepared for any work-up or deployment,” said Maj. Paxton Miller, MCTSSA naval systems integration officer. “As we better understand the requirements and challenges of how MEUs employ C2 systems aboard ship, the value of these events will continue to grow.”
Boxer is homeported at Naval Base San Diego. For more news from USS Boxer (LHD 4), visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd4/.
MCTSSA, an elite, full-scale laboratory facility operated by the Marine Corps, is a subordinate command of Marine Corps Systems Command. MCTSSA provides test and evaluation, engineering, and deployed technical support for Marine Corps and joint service command, control, computer, communications and intelligence systems throughout all acquisition life-cycle phases.
By Sky M. Laron, Public Affairs Officer, MCTSSA
AUSA 2018: Double Shoot Presents for the First Time a Unique and Innovative Smartphone Application for Zeroing Weapons, Scoring and Comparison
Friday, October 5th, 2018
Double Shoot’s unique application is a response to the manual weapon zeroing process currently being used by armies and security forces around the world. This manual process is slow and requires a great deal of ammunition, making it expensive while not delivering a high level of accuracy. The new application developed by Double Shoot streamlines the zeroing process, making it significantly more efficient by saving 30-50% in training time and ammunition. Optimizing the entire process of shooter training, the application turns every shooting range into a smart shooting range.
Double Shoot utilizes data-based analysis within a restricted web interface in order to provide a wide spectrum of reports, not only to individuals and instructors, but to entire units, HQ and the staff levels. The system, intended for both military and police forces, works even when the smartphone is in airplane mode, and can be installed on both Android and iOS phones.
The company has been awarded a Certificate of Patent in Israel and has filed an international patent application.
According to BG (ret) Oren Avman, CO & CEO, “We are pleased to present our unique weapon zeroing solution at AUSA 2018. Designed for the military and law enforcement, this application – utilizing today’s most advanced technologies – is smart and easy to use. It reduces the amount of time and ammunition needed to properly zero weaponry by 30-50%, significantly lowering the costs and manpower required at shooting ranges, and immediately creating a smart shooting range out of any shooting range.”
For more information on Double- Shoot, please visit the company’s website: www.double-shoot.com
New Ops-Core AMP Communication Headset Introduced at AUSA
Thursday, October 4th, 2018
Carbondale, PA, October 4, 2018. Gentex Corporation, a global leader in personal protection and situational awareness solutions for defense forces, emergency responders, and industrial personnel will introduce the latest addition to its growing hearing protection and communications portfolio, the Ops-Core AMP Communication Headset, at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting & Exposition, October 8 – 10, Washington, D.C.
Designed for defense forces and law enforcement personnel, the advanced 3D hear-through and hearing protection capabilities in the Ops-Core AMP Communication Headset enhance situational awareness and user safety. For optimal flexibility and mission performance, the modular headset can be easily configured to meet a wide range of mission needs with options for headband or helmet rail-mounted use, single or double hearing protection, left- and right-handed configurations of headset downlead cable and boom microphone, and single or multi-channel communications.
“The introduction of the Ops-Core AMP Communication Headset demonstrates our dedication to strengthening and expanding our hearing protection and communications offering, which includes advanced products such as Gentex’s F-35 AHNR Headset and the Ops-Core RAC® Headset.” said Tom Short, vice president ground systems, Gentex Corporation. “Building on the strengths of the RAC, the AMP sets a new bar for hearing protection and situational awareness for ground forces. We’re excited to demonstrate the Ops-Core AMP Communication Headset along with all of our market leading headborne protective technologies at AUSA.”
Also, featured in the company’s booth will be the Ops-Core FAST® SF Helmet System, shown among the full lines of Ops-Core FAST and Sentry Helmet Systems—all designed for elite defense, law enforcement, and security forces; the Gentex family of Tactical Ballistic Helmet Systems—mission configurable ACH/ECH style helmets for ground forces; and a full array of performance enhancing eye and face protection, respiratory, CBRN, and hearing protection and communications accessories.
Open to all, Gentex Corporation will hold a special hospitality event in its booth on Tuesday, October 9th from 3:00 – 5:00 PM to celebrate the launch of the new Ops-Core AMP Communication Headset.
Visit Gentex Corporation in booth #4017. To learn more about the Ops-Core AMP Communication Headset, click here.
MDM 18 – Black Diamond Advanced Technology Bare Kit
Thursday, September 27th, 2018
Black Diamond Advanced Technology exhibited their full line of tactical C4 systems. They have created many different cables to mate communications and computing devices together.
Their BARE Kit 1-Port Hub Systems connect a Harris AN/PRC-152/A, AN/PRC-117G, or L3 Technologies TacE directly to your Android or Windows End User Device (EUD). The Bare Kit Systems allow for POWER + DATA between connected peripherals and EUD devices such as the Panasonic FZ-M1, GETAC MX50, or Samsung phones. Operators can also recharge EUD’s from the Radio. The Bare Kit’s minimalist design allows users to integrate onto any vest with little to no impact to existing kit setup. The CB-0516-00 is DATA only and a bi-directional EUD cable is required for use.
