Atlantic Signal introduces their new Smart ICS Cable for Headset Communications which is currently undergoing final client testing. Top connector is the new ICS Cable for HELO Communications containing Custom Components for Compatibility with Multiple DOD ICS Platforms. The bottom connector is the standard model currently in use across DoD.
We’re big fans of the home brewed Tactical NAV app and its creator Jonathon Springer so we’re quite pleased to bring you some news. If anyone has ever earned the title TacHacker, it’s this guy.
First off, the makers of Tactical NAV recently released “Compass NAV” for Android a couple of weeks ago. Basically it’s just the compass function of TACNAV and it’s priced at .99 cents.
Tactical NAV is also in the midst of an update that will include –
– Separate iPad and Android versions … plus a new iPhone version (free update for existing users)
– Troop tracking (all users on all systems — iPhone, iPad, Android will be able to see each other on the battlefield along with MMS/SMS messaging capabilities between each other, etc)
– A realtime “FreeDraw” – a sandtable-like capability that will act very similar to BFT and CPOF
– iCloud integration
– Facebook integration
– Ability to record video with geolocation-data updated in realtime for playback later
– Voice annotating function
– UTM addition
– “Go to Grid” will be able to work with MGRS, LAT/LONG, and UTM
Here are some screenshots of Tactical NAV running on iPad.
‘Like’ them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tacticalnav.
The upcoming NBC reality show ‘Stars Earn Stripes’ pairs 8 stars with trainers from military and LE backgrounds. Each episode will be a separate mission and the participants will be outfitted with some excellent tactical brands. For example, in this promotional video you can see TCI headsets paired with Ops-Core FAST helmets and FirstSpear covers. What else can you identify?
Stars Earn Stripes debuts Monday August 13th after the Olympics on NBC.
Under a Firm Fixed-Price Contract the US Air Force has chosen the Black Diamond Advanced Technology‘s Modular Tactical System (MTS) as their next-generation US Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) Operator Control System (OCS). Used by Special Operations Forces and Joint Terminal Attack Controllers, the Battlefield Air Operations (BAO) OCS is a wearable solution, incorporating a tactical vest with power management and a rugged computing device, designed for dismounted Close Air Support operations and communications control.
A component of the BAO kit, the MTS is a wearable, combat-enabled tactical communications tool providing situational awareness and blue force tracking. It also functions as a precision strike tool that facilitates control of multiple mission-critical peripherals on a central display, eliminating battery and equipment redundancies and lightening the load on the operator.
With the MTS at the core, the overall solution reduces the time required for the JTAC to prosecute a target and increases accuracy and efficiency by allowing the operator to maximize the existing radio and air-asset capabilities during dismounted operations.
I was able to try out a version of the MTS last year. It is an impressive system that is integrated directly into an armor carrier. What really impressed me was that it is right there in front of you and you don’t have to pack up a laptop to move. You can quickly transition back and forth between the screen and your surroundings to maintain situational awareness.
You can run it through the paces as well at this week’s Warrior Expo East. Additionally, ADS Inc offers the MTS for units and organizations that require on the move computing but who are not part of this program of record.
Warrior Expo EAST
July 12 1030 – 1600 EDT
July 13 1030 – 1500 EDT
Virginia Beach Convention Ctr
Virginia Beach, VA
The new Trivec AV2094-3 provides true on-the-move communications for long-range or over-the-horizon missions. Securely contained under a rugged radome, the self-steering vehicular UHF SATCOM system features a automatic pointing capability that greatly improves the signal-to-noise ratio when compared to omni-directional antennas. Rigorous testing confirms that communication integrity is maintained on-the-move even while using low-angle satellites.
AV2094-3 system features include:
• 5 dBiC gain @ beam max.
• Control unit stores up to 30 satellite profiles and is extremely easy to use
• Control unit stores last-satellite-used information for immediate on-the-go quick-start operations
• Minimum user interaction. Self-steering antenna auto-adjusts to speed and direction of vehicle
• Rugged enclosure—antenna unit is protected by radome
The first time I saw the Marker Panel, Individual, LW (as in lightweight) from Battle Systems, LLC I said to myself, “Self, why hasn’t anyone done this before?” I already knew that Battle Systems offers some bad ass tape in the form of Vinyl Tape, Coyote Brown so their dedication to quality is for me, without question. The MPIL is a great alternative to carrying a full-size VS-17 panel. Most folks just don’t need the whole thing and cut them down to size for individual use. Even then, the material doesn’t pack down well. The Marker Panel, Individual, LW on the other hand does.
It is so compact, it literally fits the palm of your hand and folds out to 16″ x 16″ with orange and pink sides just like a full-size VS-17. There are 550 loops in each corner to facilitate mounting the MPIL to gear or for use in conjunction with others for DZ and LZ marking. It can also be used to mark vehicles. Battle Systems uses the National Molding Large Poli Bina Clips to attach the MPIL to equipment. Finally, each side of the MPIL has a color matched Velcro loop patch to accept a removable 2″ x 2″ IR reflective square patch.
As you can see from this photo, the MPIL REALLY reflects light and we had to tone down the photo a little so you could look at it.
The currently available MPIL Mk I’s are assembled in the USA from a combination of US and foreign materials but that was just s stopgap to get these rolling. They don’t have enough on hand to even remotely approach the Berry threshold. The Mk II will be available very soon, manufactured entirely of US materials.
www.battlesystemsllc.com/Marker_Panel,_Individual,_LW
Note – The IR Squares are ITAR controlled and Battle Systems will ONLY ship within the USA.
The BHI Mini-SATCOM Antenna Kit is a very versatile mini UHF SATCOM antenna system. It’s compact, lightweight, offered with several deployment options like the pistol grip mode shown below. Essentially, you fold the elements which are shock corded to the antenna and store the antenna. When needed, it can be pulled out and intuitively pointed toward the bird to make the shot. It’s been done for years with other antennas including umbrella styles (showing my age here), but no one put a pistol grip on them to make it easier. The grip is a hollow design and stores an adjustment wrench.
Weighing only 1.1 pounds, the dual quad radials collapse and fold alongside the collapsible boom to fit into a water-resistant MOLLE-compliant carrying pouch. The antenna is treated to a dull black anodized finish to reduce glare and protect the metal against weatherization. The kit includes the 243 antenna, tripod, pistol grip, magnetic mount and ground spike, MOLLE-compliant carrying case and a waterproof mini hard case to secure all components.
Key Features – Benefits
• Ultra light weight
• Compact for individual troop carry
• Rapid deployment
• Four deployment options
• Easy-carry MOLLE-compliant pouch
• Dull, black anodized finish
BHI has also incorporated a couple of other features. For example, there’s a one-step elevation adjustment via friction joint (no locking knob or lever required). Additionally, they’ve addressed common issues that arrive during operations in the field. The connector is slightly recessed to protect from damaging drops or unintentional misuse. The extension mechanism is designed to prevent possible jamming due to sand or dust contamination and the interface mount mechanism keyed to prevent improper connection. Finally, additional mounting options include a stainless steel spike providing sturdy, durable staking in all soil conditions and a rare earth magnetic mount.
www.bhicommo.com/bhi-mini-satcom
215 Gear has just introduced a variety of IR reflective patches.
Note: These are ITAR restricted items and can only be shipped to US addresses.
215gearstore.com/infraredpatches
