Digitization | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for the ‘Digitization’ Category

TacApps – Tactical NAV News

Wednesday, August 8th, 2012

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.

www.tacticalnav.com

Tags: Android, iPad, iPhone, Tactical NAV
Posted in Comms, Digitization, Disruptive Tech, Tac Apps, Tachacker | 14 Comments »

Multimedia & eReader cases from IA

Tuesday, August 7th, 2012

Intelligent Armour released a very nice MultiCam Kindle case a few weeks ago. Based on its success, they’ve added a few new options to their range of multimedia cases to include iPad, Nook, Kobo and Samsung eReaders and other tablets.

Intelligent Armour manufactures all of these cases in the UK, UK using Crye Multicam 2-way stretch from Duro Industries. The larger cases employ Potomac Field Gear’s Advance Protective Fabric; this is to protect the device/tablet screen from getting scratched. The fabric is also fire retardant, wicking and anti-static.

www.body-armour-protection.co.uk/Multicam-Field-Gear

Tags: Intelligent Armour
Posted in Digitization, Foreign, Load Carrying, Multicam | Comments Off on Multimedia & eReader cases from IA

Kindle Case from Intelligent Armour

Tuesday, July 10th, 2012

Manufactured by Intelligent Armour in the UK from Crye 2-way stretch NanoSphere 40D Multicam fabric; the IA Multicam Kindle Case is water resistant and padded to protect your Kindle during travel.

www.body-armour-protection.co.uk/IA-Multicam-Kindle-Case

Tags: Intelligent Armour, Kindle
Posted in Digitization, Multicam | 3 Comments »

Black Diamond Wearable Modular Tactical System Chosen by USAF for Dismounted Close Air Support

Monday, July 9th, 2012

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

Tags: Battlefield Airman, Black Diamond Advanced Technology, CAS, Warrior Expo East
Posted in Air Force, Comms, Digitization, Warrior Expo | 4 Comments »

Vuzix Completes Sale of its Tactical Display Group for $8.5 Million

Tuesday, June 19th, 2012

Yesterday, Vuzix announced the completion of the sale of its business assets which comprised the Company’s Tactical Display Group. They are well known for the development and manufacture of individual displays used in a variety of programs.

Essentially, TDG is purchasing itself from Vuzix for $8.5 Million plus possible and the two firms have agreed to a 10 year non-compete with a possible $2.5 Million earn-out provision if certain conditions are met within the next year. However, the non-compete isn’t absolute. According to Market Watch, “TDG LLC has agreed to become the exclusive authorized reseller of the Company’s existing and new video eyewear products into the global Military and Defense markets. Additionally Vuzix is still allowed to perform its historically successful engineering services work on its new waveguide based video eyewear technology directly for customers within the Military and Defense markets. Any new products that the Company creates under its permitted ongoing engineering services and research programs with the US Government and other Defense organizations worldwide are to be exclusively marketed by the TDG LLC in the Military and Defense markets, unless the TDG LLC elects to have Vuzix do the same.”

All-in-all it looks like a great deal for Vuzix and a not-so-great deal for TDG. Interesting, considering over the past few years, it seems as most of the heavy lifting has been accomplished by the TDG business unit. Notice that the most lucrative elements of the business seem to remain the property of Vuzix. Additionally, none of the company’s ‘key personnel’ will be leaving to the new TDG but rather will remain with Vuzix. In fact, about a year ago, industry insiders predicted such an action as a means to save Vuzix at the cost of TDG. It will be interesting to see how TDG fairs over the next few years as defense spending radically changes.

Tags: Vuzix
Posted in Digitization, Industry | Comments Off on Vuzix Completes Sale of its Tactical Display Group for $8.5 Million

Replay XD1080 Camera

Monday, June 4th, 2012

The Replay XD1080 camera is a serious contender in the market of mountable HD cameras such as GoPro and Contour. It features a water-resistant, hard anodized, aluminum mil-spec housing with a double o-ring sealed lens bezel, rear cap, and top push buttons that allows it to operate through any number of adverse conditions. A two-button activation also allows for easy and fast operation, with built-in LED and vibration feedback that alerts the user when the camera is active.

It records using a custom designed 135º wide angle lens, giving it a flatter, clearer picture when compared to similar cameras currently on the market. The front lens bezel can be removed and replaced with a 37mm adapter for aftermarket lens and filter kits. As for audio, the internal microphone has been specially designed to capture the most realistic audio possible while cutting down on wind noise. For situations where an external audio device is preferred, the unit comes with a standard 3.5mm mini-jack adapter.

The XD1080 is supported by a wide range of mounting options, including the HardCore Billet Picatinny mount which features 2-way, 360° positioning and 10° incremental camera ring positions.

The Replay is available from ustacticalsupply.com/replayxd1080.

Tags: Replay
Posted in Digitization, Optics, Recce, Sensors, weapons | 1 Comment »

Batman is an Airman

Wednesday, May 30th, 2012

Batman or Battlefield Air Targeting Man-Aided kNowledge is a program at Air Force Research Lab to improve the performance of the Terminal Attack Controller and other Battlefield Airmen. With a motto of “Lighter, Smarter…Deadlier” it couldn’t be anything than Air Force.

CNN Money recently took a look inside the program. Watch it here.

Some of the gems in this ensemble include the “Bat Hook,” the nickname used for the Remote Auxiliary Power System developed by Defense Research Associates, a new wrist mount unlike anything you’ve seen developed by our friends at Juggernaut Defense, and an armor mounted computer system.

While most of these technologies seem TAC-centric, BATMAN works Guardian Angel projects as well. For example, late last year they issued a challenge for a new stretcher system via the website InnoCentive. Seeking a single-rescuer solution, the Air Force also challenged innovators to propose a system that would stabilize the patient.

(Photo by Senior Airman Chris Hubenthal : 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing)

Other interesting items include this grappling hook developed by students at BYU for AFRL.

BATMAN is spirally developed and fields solutions when they are ready for prime time. In fact, the program has been around since 2004 and has already fielded several versions.

Tags: Defense Research Associates, InnoCentive, Juggernaut Defense LLC
Posted in Air Force, Digitization | 5 Comments »

Finland Adopts Elbit Dismounted Soldier Systems

Tuesday, May 29th, 2012

Yesterday, Israeli firm Elbit Systems announced that they were awarded a contract by the Finnish Army, to supply advanced dismounted soldier systems, in the first phase of a comprehensive ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance) program.

The equipment includes eenhanced observation soldier equipment (MARS), comprehensive situation awareness software, cutting edge combat soldier wearable radio (PNR1000) and computer systems intended to enhance the operational capabilities of the Finnish Army in the areas of reconnaissance, terrain dominance and dismounted soldiers.

Tags: Elbit
Posted in Digitization, Foreign | 7 Comments »