Written by / Compiled by KMI Media Group staff

MIT 2010 Volume: 14 Issue: 2 (March)

The Trusted Virtual Environment (TVE), a product of General Dynamics C4 Systems, has been added to the Unified Cross Domain Management Office’s (UCDMO) Cross Domain Baseline list, a list of systems and equipment approved for rapid use by the Department of Defense and intelligence communities. A software application, TVE allows users to view and access multiple operating systems, security levels and domains from a single computer. TVE reduces information technology costs associated with the size, weight and power needs of multiple secure computing systems by using COTS technology. TVE is the company’s second trusted computing product included in the UCDMO Baseline list, joined by the Trusted Network Environment. UCDMO is tasked by the U.S. government to speed cross-domain equipment and technology to the field, enabling timely access to and sharing of classified information among military and intelligence agency users. (See MIT 14.1, February 2010, page 6.)  

Rucksack System Links to NIPRNet, SIPRNet Services

TeleCommunication Systems (TCS) has introduced the SwiftLink 2810 Executive Communications Rucksack Package. The rugged and reliable Executive Communications Rucksack Package is the latest addition to the TCS SwiftLink family of baseband kits that integrate IP routers and crypto units with EoIP (Everything- Over-IP) support for converged voice, video and data applications. Importantly, this new SwiftLink incorporates a “Black” router and a “Red” router that provides users access to NIPRNet and SIPRNet services. The new package is the smallest, lightest (approximately 6.5 pounds) SwiftLink that TCS now offers and is capable of communication across WAN/ LAN, wireless, ISDN, ISDN 64 BGAN and government-managed secure networks. The SwiftLink 2810 can be powered by a conventional AC power source or multiple means of DC input power to include an optional battery unit, such as two BA-5590’s for over 10 hours. The package’s innovative design provides for easy packing and deployment from rucksacks, and can be quickly customized to satisfy specific customer requirements.
 

Marines Obtain Cradle Vehicle Adapters

The Joint Program Executive Office Joint Tactical Radio System has awarded two contracts to Thales Communications to provide Cradle Vehicle Adapters (CVAs) for the Marine Corps. Under these contracts, Thales will deliver 11,000 50-Watt CVAs to the Marine Corps for use with previously purchased Thales AN/PRC-148 JTRS-approved radios. These contracts were awarded under the Consolidated, Interim, Single-Channel Handheld Radio contract. The 50-Watt CVA combines the functionality of Thales’ battleproven AN/PRC-148 JEM (JTRS Enhanced MBITR) handheld radio set with a high-powered vehicle amplifier, providing 50 Watts of RF power output from 30 to 88 MHz and 20 Watts of RF power output from 88 to 512 MHz. A compact, rugged unit with a low-profile form factor and total weight of 16 pounds, the CVA can be easily integrated into space constrained land, air, and sea-based platforms. The CVA has the unique capability of remoting the radio separate from the amplifier to reduce the operational profile and, like the company’s other vehicle mount units, allows cable-free, twosecond radio dismount, providing users with a fully charged and immediately operational handheld radio upon dismount.
 

New Blue Force Tracking Solution Clears Army Field Tests

Comtech Mobile Datacom has successfully completed Army sponsored field testing of its Blue Force Tracking (BFT)-HC ground mobile and aviation transceiver and network solution, meeting or exceeding all JCR and BFT-2 specifications. Comtech’s BFT-HC transceiver and its enhanced network capabilities together represent a significant technological advance, including the enabling of faster update rates made possible by the newly released JCR software. Comtech’s BFT-HC solution is a COTS product, but it specifically addresses the mobile environment. The BFT-HC solution integrates leading edge antenna, signal processing and waveform technologies while at the same time providing full backward capability with the more than 100,000 first generation Comtech-designed BFT satellite transceivers previously deployed. Comtech’s BFT-HC aviation system is the first viable BFT-2 compliant solution available to the aviation community that meets the BFT-2’s demanding size, weight and power requirements. As a followon to this past autumn’s successful rotor blockage tests, Comtech completed full aviation flight tests in December. The BFT-HC aviation solution achieved outstanding performance during all required flight maneuvers and at flight speeds approaching 150 knots.
 

Transport Case Built for Large Equipment

Built for tough and versatile large equipment protection, the Pelican 0550 Transport Case is designed to offer more than 20,000 cubic inches of usable storage space. The 0550 Transport Case sports two integrated automatic pressure equalization valves that keep moisture out and prevent vacuum lock, ensuring the case is easier to open at any altitude. The lid is equipped with special locking hinges (lid-stays) to ensure that the case stays securely open for easier access. Optional available features include heavy duty caster wheels (each rated to handle 250 pounds) and detachable pallet risers for easy forklift transport.

Tactical Operation Centers Deployed with Multi-Image Processing

U.S. Army Europe’s mobile missions require improving situational awareness on the battlefield. Ultra Electronics Criticom, a video technology solutions company, has developed the ISEC Deployable Tactical Video Wall for use in mobile tactical operations centers (TOCs). The ISEC Deployable Tactical Video Wall includes Criticom’s ISEC STS secure video communications system for encrypted information dissemination in the battle theater. Each wall display is comprised of three QuadView multiviewers, which fuse visual and data content. By providing a centralized picture of the entire battle theater, commanders receive increased actionable intelligence leading to improved situational awareness and decision-making. In deployed TOCs, commanders must make numerous split-second decisions based upon assessment of a broad range of live incoming visuals and data from the battlefield. Instant consolidation and dissemination of this information to commanders must be real time and flawless, demanding the utmost in image processing capability. Criticom’s ISEC Deployable Tactical Video Wall depends upon RGB Spectrum’s leading-edge QuadView multiviewers to deliver this mission critical performance and capability.

The ISEC Deployable Tactical Video Wall includes up to three large truss mounted screens, which use either front or rear projection LCD projectors. The entire ISEC system is rapidly deployable and its setup is swift and easy.

Networking Radios Supply Air Battle Command Communications

Highband networking radios from Harris will form the communications backbone of the Army’s new Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS). As a member of Northrop Grumman’s IBCS team, Harris will supply its radios to carry critical battle-command information, and will provide system and network engineering services over the five-year life of the program. IBCS will integrate the fire-control networks of current and future air and missile defense systems. This command system will enable warfighters to use any combination of sensors and weapons to achieve mission objectives in a true open-architecture environment. The unique design of the Harris Highband Networking Radio (HNR) ensures all information from the battle command center will arrive at the right location to defend troops against a missile attack. This radio includes the first-ever use of directive beam technology to achieve higher throughput over longer distances in a robust, selfforming and self-healing directional mesh network. The Harris HNR system is a part of the Army’s WIN-T Increment 2 program.

Army Completes Evaluation of New Situational Awareness Software

The Army has completed formal evaluation of the next-generation software version of the Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below (FBCB2), developed by Northrop Grumman. Field testing of the new software, called Joint Capabilities Release ( JCR), was conducted at Fort Hood, Texas, last fall. FBCB2 is the key situational awareness and command and control system used by U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. The JCR upgrades include a significant increase in the network’s bandwidth, allowing the combat-proven system to get more information to more users within seconds rather than minutes. It also provides a joint forces platform solution for both the Army and Marine Corps. The Army and Marine Corps continue conducting a series of planned tests at Fort Hood’s Central Technical Support Facility and at Camp Pendleton, Calif., in the Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity. Testing of the improved data throughput will continue throughout 2011, after the Army awards a production contract for an improved Blue Force Tracking 2 transceiver. The services expect to decide whether to field JCR late this summer. During last fall’s field testing, evaluators examined the effectiveness, reliability and performance of the system for both Army and Marines, in various military vehicles, tactical operations centers, called TOCs, and combat operations centers. The test was conducted in a distributed environment and supported by active duty military and civilian personnel from several government agencies. ♦

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