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Archive for the ‘Comms’ Category

MDM 18 – Invisio V10

Wednesday, September 26th, 2018

Invisio’s V10 is a Single Comm Control Unit.

The V10 was designed for use with a single radio. It features a large exchangeable Push To Talk button which can be oriented left or right. It can be combined with the X5 headset (seen here) or other Invisio systems. Just plug in and go.

The V10 weighs just 122 grams and is submersible to 20 m. Its dimensions are 69 x 40 x 27 mm. Available in Coyote and Black.

www.invisio.com

Cubic Receives Orders for GATR Inflatable Satellite Communication and Networking Systems from US Army

Monday, September 17th, 2018

Cubic Mission Solutions awarded orders to deliver GATR systems and services to support Army expeditionary communications
SAN DIEGO – Sept. 6, 2018 – Cubic Corporation (NYSE: CUB) today announced its Cubic Mission Solutions (CMS) business division received orders worth more than $55 million to deliver its inflatable satellite communication and networking systems to the U.S. Army. These orders will satisfy the Army’s upcoming fielding need for 1.2- and 2.4-meter GATR systems, associated spares as well as training and sustainment support.

“Cubic’s GATR satellite communication and networking systems offer the transportability, high-bandwidth capabilities and the ease of setup necessary for Army units to execute their mission,” said Mike Twyman, president of Cubic Mission Solutions. “We are proud to continue our work with the Army and look forward to delivering solutions that offer tremendous operational advantages to our customer.”

Cubic’s solution provides robust high-speed links that enable secure network communications, sustainment support and mission command across the full spectrum of operations, from initial entry to sustained operations. The decreased size, weight and power (SWaP) of a GATR 2.4-meter system provides up to four times the performance when compared with similar transit volume and weight antennas.

The GATR systems’ compact pack-out size and innovative design provides significant improvements in transportability, throughput and setup speed, providing essential communications when and where they are needed most.

Persistent’s Low-SWAP Mobile Ad Hoc Networking Embedded Module Receives New Security Validation

Monday, September 10th, 2018

Now all Persistent Systems product offerings are validated at FIPS 140-2 Level 2
NEW YORK, N.Y. – Sep 05, 2018 – Persistent Systems, LLC (“Persistent”) announced today that its Embedded Module, a low-size, -weight and -power mobile ad hoc networking (MANET) unit for sensors and unmanned vehicles, received a Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-2 Level 2 security validation from the National Institute of Standards and Technology. This achievement confirms that all Persistent’s main products have achieved this level of validation, increasing usability for users with nonnegotiable requirements for FIPS 140-2 Level 2.

The new FIPS 140-2 Level 2 validation means the Embedded Module not only meets its Level 1 cryptographic data security requirement, but it also has in place physical security mechanisms, such as tamper-evidence, allowing it to handle sensitive data transmission.

“Now, all of our main products running the Wave Relay® MANET routing protocol are FIPS 140-2 Level 2,” said Eric Stern, Director of Engineering at Persistent Systems. “This is critical for our customers in the federal government, U.S. military and special operations, who require extremely secure networking.”

Persistent’s suite of Wave Relay® MANET products have been engineered to meet information assurance requirements in any use case, whether it is a person carrying an MPU5 or an Embedded Module built into a UAV, UGV, or sensor.  This is especially important for Wave Relay® Ecosystem partners who have incorporated Wave Relay® MANET radios into their products and are competing for government programs with FIPS requirements. The Wave Relay® Ecosystem is an alliance of industry-leading companies that develop and build products connected via the Wave Relay® MANET.

Persistent products have consistently met strict security requirements, with every product achieving both Level 1 and Level 2 FIPS 140-2 validation.

Persistent’s principal product is the handheld MPU5 MANET radio. The MPU5 allows users to transmit and relay voice, video, text, and sensor data in a true peer-to-peer fashion, without the need for external communications infrastructure. In July, it received its FIPS 140-2 Level 2 Security validation.

The Embedded Module, now likewise validated, delivers the same data networking capabilities, but in a smaller form factor, which can be built into an unmanned aircraft, ground robot or sensor. “This validation marks the Embedded Module as the go-to Wave Relay® MANET integrator for all systems and sensors,” Stern said.

Certificate numbers and information for each FIPS 140-2 validated Wave Relay® MANET product are as follows:

• Certificate #3183 – MPU5 – Level 1
• Certificate #3234 – MPU5 – Level 2
• Certificate #3180 – Embedded Module – Level 1
• Certificate #3259 – Embedded Module – Level 2

www.persistentsystems.com

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 Kitandwe
The 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.

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

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

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 Edge
CARLSBAD, 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).

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