TYR Tactical

IP Video Technology: The Changes and Challenges Within Critical ISR Workflows

July 17th, 2024

The intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) community faces new challenges as an exponential increase of information—including real-time data and video streams—is shared with a growing community of stakeholders.

A new approach to system architecture is needed to deliver critical information to a more diverse set of collaborators, whether they are located in the last tactical mile or they are coalition partners sitting in headquarters.

For ISR missions that depend on video, the challenges are many, including securing communication, overcoming bandwidth limitations, and implementing end-to-end encryption when transmitting across multiple networks.

Here, Mark Rushton, a defence and security specialist and Business Development Director at VITEC: a global technology leader in the IPTV space, shares his insights on what is at stake.

How have critical ISR workflows evolved in recent years?

One significant change is the increased amount of information being processed and shared. With what seems like a universal need for real-time data and video streams, the dissemination imperative has expanded beyond traditional platforms and operational command centers. ISR intelligence must now reach a much wider range of collaborators.

This expansion has made the system architecture more complex. Leaders in dynamic and unpredictable environments must ensure secure communication and overcome bandwidth challenges while maintaining encryption. Additionally, the broad mix of radio networks used by drones — and other vehicles that carry ISR payloads — introduces variations in quality that must be managed to deliver high-fidelity images to end-users.

The types of devices receiving and processing video data have also become more complex. ISR equipment is no longer limited to control rooms and large screens in operation centers. Video intelligence must also be delivered to portable devices in remote locations where users—who may need this information the most—often have limited access to bandwidth.

How is the use of IP Video in ISR evolving?

In a word, quickly. This is due to technological advances, higher demands for real-time data, and the need for better interoperability and security.

For instance, IP Video technology allows for the seamless sharing of real-time video feeds across various platforms and devices. This is crucial for ISR operations, enabling timely decision-making and coordination among military units, intelligence agencies, and coalition partners.

Advancements in video compression algorithms like H.264, H.265, and VVC have improved video quality while reducing bandwidth needs. This means high-resolution video can be sent over various networks, even those with limited bandwidth capacity, without losing quality.

On a different vector altogether, it is important to observe that ISR has not been immune to the forces driving the adoption of artificial intelligence. Integrating IP Video with AI and machine learning enhances ISR capabilities because it can analyze video feeds in real-time to detect anomalies, identify objects or individuals, and provide actionable insights, reducing the workload on human analysts.

As IP Video use expands, there is a greater focus on security. Advanced encryption and secure transmission protocols protect sensitive video data from being intercepted or accessed without authorization, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of ISR operations.

How is the community managing this growing complexity?

Standards are essential for supporting the ISR mission. It is the only way that everyone—including system architects, platform vendors, signal integrators, ISR commanders and third-party collaborators—can ensure that systems are compatible and can work together.

A standards-based approach to interoperability also prevents the ISR community from being locked into proprietary technologies that can limit future options.

While a standards-based approach to interoperability prevents the ISR community from being locked into proprietary technologies that limit future options, it must also be coupled with utilizing commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products that offer access to the latest and greatest technology without the need to develop something from scratch.

This ensures everyone can leverage commonly used technology, facilitating compatibility and interoperability.

It is important for decision-makers to choose options with an upgradable path that can be utilized in the future. By allowing for flexibility as the ISR environment evolves, standards-based COTS solutions offer the best way to optimize operational effectiveness while maximizing return on investment.

How is quality control managed across different categories of networks?

Managing video quality in ISR workflows across different networks involves several key measures. One revolves around ensuring that image and video quality stays high throughout transmission. This is critical because clear visuals are essential for accurate decision-making in ISR missions. Depending on the mission’s needs, different networks, such as satellite links, radio mesh networks, or 4G LTE towers, are chosen based on factors like bandwidth, reliability, and latency.

The advanced compression technologies help maintain high video quality while minimizing bandwidth use. The best codecs allow for efficient compression, ensuring quality visuals even in low-bandwidth situations.

Compatibility with various devices, including portable ones with limited bandwidth, is vital. Ensuring the video format and resolution match the capabilities of the receiving devices helps maintain quality across different endpoints.

Finally, data security is also critical in ISR workflows. Implementing encryption protocols and rigorous security measures that protect video data’s integrity and confidentiality during transmission is the key to preventing unauthorized access or interception.

Author Mark Rushton a defence and security specialist and Business Development Director at VITEC.

VITEC is a global technology leader in the IPTV space, working within the Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) arena for over 20 years.

Premier Body Armor to Attend 2024 RISE Back to School Safety Summit

July 17th, 2024

GASTONIA, N.C., July 15, 2024 –Premier Body Armor is proud to announce its participation in the 2024 RISE Back to School Safety Summit, taking place from July 29 to August 2 at Cape Fear Community College in Wilmington, North Carolina. This event serves as a crucial platform for addressing and enhancing the safety and well-being of students across the state and beyond.

Premier Body Armor has a deep-seated commitment to school safety, driven by a passion shared by many of its team members who are former educators. “Premier Body Armor is dedicated to safer schools throughout the nation, but as a North Carolina based company, we are especially excited for the opportunity to support schools within our own community in safeguarding its students,” said Alex Stewart, President of Premier Body Armor. “We chose to sponsor the RISE conference again this year to ensure that administrators at NC schools are aware of and have access to our unique protective products. Our First Aid Shields, Active Response Bleed Control Kits, and more will be on display for discerning administrators to gain more information and experience the practicality of these school safety solutions. Come meet some of our team members, get a copy of our white paper showing real life results of implementing the First Aid Shield, and leave with confidence that you have a well-rounded in-classroom protection plan.”

The RISE training offers comprehensive sessions covering essential topics related to school safety and preventive measures. This training aims to build resilience, provide vital information, and offer support and empowerment to those working with young people in schools and communities.

Premier Body Armor’s participation in last year’s RISE conference led to a significant development: the integration of their First Aid Shields in the classrooms of a local school. Monica, the Executive Director of the school, shared her experience: “Last summer, I attended the RISE Conference in Gastonia. There, we were introduced to Premier Body Armor promoting school safety initiatives and strategies. One of the things that truly caught our attention was the First Aid shield, which is usable by all teachers regardless of size, height, or weight. It provides a way to protect students in a lockdown situation and potentially prevent mass casualties. Working with Premier Body Armor, we had lengthy conversations to ensure we knew what to do with the product. Premier has been with us 100% to provide training and answer questions, making sure we are prepared.”

A teacher from the same school, Maria, also expressed her gratitude for the initiative: “It’s a big deal. It shows they are willing to give us the tools we need to keep children safe. Doing what’s right and best for children doesn’t always mean a book or a tutor; it means giving them an environment where they feel safe and comfortable enough to learn.”

Premier Body Armor’s dedication to creating protective solutions for schools underscores their mission to safeguard every member of the family. By attending and supporting the RISE conference, they continue to lead the charge in promoting safer learning environments for students and educators alike.

For more information about Premier Body Armor and their products, visit Premier Body Armor’s website.

Haley Strategic Partners – Pocket Flag and Keeper

July 17th, 2024

The Pocket Flag Keeper was specifically designed for carriage of the 8″x12″ United States pocket flag. The flag keeper is constructed from reversible and ambidextrous VELCRO Brand ONE-WRAP to adhere to any hook or loop surface while also offering a compact and protective way of carrying the flag.

Available in Black or Coyote.

haleystrategic.com/pocket-flag-keeper

OKSI’s Seeker Technology for Guided Munitions & CUAS

July 17th, 2024

Lately we’ve been talking about Artificial Intelligence and ways it can make a difference in warfighting. To illustrate our points, we’ve discussed the capabilities of the OMNISCIENCE AI/ML portfolio from OKSI. But that’s not all OKSI does; they also put a lot of effort in enhancing existing warfighting systems with new capabilities.

In addition to the OMNISCIENCE AI/ML portfolio we’ve already mentioned, OKSI also provides seeker technology for guided munitions and unmanned aerial systems defeat. Once again, the technology isn’t taking over, but rather enhances existing capabilities to make them faster, more accurate, and more capable, even in electromagnetically contested environments.


OKSI Booth at AUVSI 2024 (left: ARMGDN Seeker right: 81mm Mortar with PGK)

OKSI has many Passive Seeker Technologies, some examples are their 81mm Precision Guidance Kit, a screw-on EO/IR guidance system for the 81mm Mortar and the ARMGDN, a bolt-on intelligent EO/IR seeker for Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS). These systems provide the ability to accurately employ precision munitions and effects even in the absence of GPS or laser guidance.

OKSI’s seeker technologies provides multi-role capability (air to ground, air to air, ground to air, and ground to ground) and adds passive EO/IR guidance to existing munitions that previously only had GPS or laser guidance. They can also be used to provide detection, tracking, and terminal intercept.

The screw-on 81mm PGK allows warfighters to precisely guide mortars onto the desired impact point or predesignated target via OKSI ATAK targeting plug-in. The mortar’s guidance system is able to find, fix, and lock onto target then uses control surfaces to steer the mortar down onto the tracked target. It transforms an inaccurate area weapon into a precision munitions with first round effects.


81mm PGK Test Launch

ARMGDN is a capability enhancement to BAE Systems’ APKWS laser-guidance kit, providing passive target acquisition and tracking for precision engagements. APKWS is a guidance kit for the 2.75 inch Hydra-70 rocket. This fire-and-forget capability is also effective, via proximity fuzing, for hard kill of UAS threats.


BAE Systems’ APKWS® laser-guidance kit integrated with OKSI’s ARMGDN launch during a test demonstration.


Photo courtesy of NAVAIR

These mature technologies have been around for the past couple of years and are ready to employ today with capabilities validated via recent contracts with USSOCOM and USAF.

For more information, visit OKSI.ai.
Follow them on LinkedIn.

ANR Design Soldier Systems – Battle Belt System

July 17th, 2024

New Hampshire-based ANR Design is more than just a holster company. They’ve been creating mission focused load carriage equipment for some of the world’s most elite units for years and now they’re offering some select items to you.

Take for example their Battle Belt System. Completely customizable, it’s a microcosm of their capabilities which reach beyond a holster and a mag pouch or two. They can outfit you with all of the numbered items you see here, from 1 through 7 as well as a few surprises like retention clamps for the M203 and M320.

Check out their website and see how you can elevate your current kit.

www.anrdesignsoldiersystems.com

All-Electric Fixed-Wing Aircraft Offloads Cargo at JB McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst

July 17th, 2024

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. (AFNS) —

Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst played a vital role in a historic first cargo flight as part of a demonstration of the ALIA CTOL, a battery-powered fixed-wing aircraft, July 9. The National Aerospace Research and Technology Park (NARTP) in Atlantic City tested the aircraft’s cargo usage by flying a lap pattern from Atlantic City, Dover Air Force Base and JB MDL.

The U.S. Air Force, in a partnership with BETA Technologies, has been instrumental in the development of ALIA. This groundbreaking aircraft, with a range of 250 nautical miles and the capacity to seat up to five passengers, is a testament to the Air Force’s adaptability to new technologies. The Air Force’s interest in the ALIA’s flexible applications further reinforces its commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements.

Moving cargo between Dover AFB and JB MDL with the ALIA is advantageous because it saves time and many other valuable resources.

“We can be ready to take off in a matter of minutes, and the battery has a low center of gravity, which is not affected by the way you load the cargo,” said Ross Elkort, BETA Technologies flight test engineer.”

The 305th Maintenance Squadron’s Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory team unloaded 319 pounds of cargo from Dover AFB and loaded 222 pounds to send on a return trip.

Having last-mile cargo delivery handled by a battery-powered fixed-wing is an opportunity to make air mobility safer, cleaner and more cost-effective.

“It brings key innovation to the mission. It’s going to make things faster and simpler,” said Alyxandra Scalone, 305th Maintenance Squadron production controller. “Dover (AFB) is about two and a half hours away from us. Today’s flight only took 45 minutes.”

“An all-electric aircraft like the ALIA is the next evolution of rapid global mobility,” said Zachary White, BETA Technologies team member. “We started working with the AFWERX Agility Prime Program in 2019. We are super excited to be here and supporting Air Mobility Command. Doing different types of missions and flying cargo between bases, it was great to see the flexibility of this aircraft.”

By MSgt Joseph Vigil, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs

COHORT PLC Contract Award

July 16th, 2024

EID signs €33m contract with NATO Communications and Information Agency

Cohort, the AIM-listed independent technology group, announces that, following a competitive tender, its subsidiary EID has signed a contract with the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCI Agency) to supply the Portuguese Army with a Tactical Deployable Communication and Information System (TDCIS). The value of the signed contract is €33 million with delivery over a three year period.

Andy Thomis, Cohort Chief Executive, said:

“We are delighted that EID has been selected for this important programme. EID is well-known for its communications technology and TDCIS will provide the Portuguese Army with a highly effective, modern system, interoperable with NATO allies. Together with recent contracts to provide its Integrated Communications System to Damen for the Portuguese Navy´s Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV) and to the Chilean Navy, this win takes EID’s order intake to over €45m in the last 4 months.”

VKTR Industries Introduces New Direct Impingement Bolt Carrier Group

July 16th, 2024

VKTR Industries, a manufacturer of premier short stroke piston rifles and associated accessories, is proud to announce the addition of their new Direct Impingement Bolt Carrier Group to the product line up.

The VKTR Direct Impingement Bolt Carrier Group has several new design technologies that help correct the legacy designed cam path found in all AR Bolt Carrier Groups.  

“By correcting the legacy cam path from 20.7 degrees to 22.5 degrees, we delay unlocking by almost 2 degrees.” says Eric Luley, National Sales Manager. “While adding almost 2 degrees of rotation we induce dwell which reduces the residual chamber pressure and allows the cartridge to fully release from the chamber wall, easing extraction – particularly in short barreled applications.”  

The long advanced cam path results in a flatter shooting platform with less perceived recoil, smoother unlocking and reduced muzzle rise.  Additionally, the cam pin doesn’t contactthe upper sidewall creating wear marks.

“This is the same technology that we have been using in our VK-1 piston system, scaled to allow for use in standard direct impingement rifles, ” added Luley.

In addition to the advanced cam path, all BCG’s are plated with a thin, dense chrome and include the VKTR patented Precision Cam Pin.

These new Bolt Carrier Groups are currently in stock on theirwebsite and will be in all stocking dealers soon.  For dealers, they will also be available through one of our main distributors, Sports South, Zanders, Kinseys, and Amchar.

VKTR Industries encourages our customers, dealers, and distributors to check out our website www.vktrind.com for more information.

For dealer and distributor orders please contact our National Sales Manager, Eric Luley, at eluley@vktrind.com.  Thank you.