Armada-Modern-Soldier-Compendium-AUGSEPT-2013

Lighter, yet more capable
than its predecessor, The new
Invisio V60 push-to-talk system
might fit into future modern soldier
kits. (Armada/P. Valpolini)
applications dedicated to specific functions
such as JTAC, FOO, etc. Those are already
part of the higher echelon 9Land BMS, used
in platoon and above elements and loaded
onto the company Rugged Soldier System
ensemble. Its key element is a Rugged
Portable Computer (RPC) based on a PC
platform with Intel CoreDuo, an Intel
Graphics Controller, and 2 GB SDRAM, and
can run on Windows or Linux operating
systems. The RPC, which can be equipped
with an internal GPS, is designed for
demanding 2D/3D graphics processing and
presentation. With dimensions of 37 x 126
x 174 mm the RPC weighs 900 grams and is
linked to a 5-inch Rugged Portable Display, is
equipped with a low reflection touch screen
and a TFT display with LED-backlighting
for best daylight viewing, while power is
provided by a 10.8 V 5.2 Ah Lithium Ion
Rugged Portable Battery. These two
elements weigh respectively 350 and 550
grams, for a grand total of less than 2 kg
including cables.
The 9Land BMS software comes in three
different versions, Tracker, Integrator and
Net Commander. The Tracker version is the
one that fits the basic needs of light vehicles,
its key functionalities being navigation and
route management, blue force tracking,
reports, and alarms and alerts. Integrator is
dedicated to heavy combat vehicles, while
Net Commander is the commanders’ tool at
brigade and beyond levels.
I RAPID MOBILE
Turning to terminals, Rapid Mobile of South
Africa launched its RT5 tactical terminal at
DSEI 2011 in its Version 2 configuration, the
company being currently in the preproduction
of its Version 3 while Version 4 is
already being developed at full steam. The
aim of the company is to provide a small
ultra-rugged Nato standard communication
PDA running on Linux for secure military
tactical messaging, chat, email, situational
awareness and digital voice that can be used
over any existing HF/VHF/UHF radio link,
Rapid Mobile focusing its marketing on
second or third tier nations.
At 490 grams including the two AA
batteries ensuring over 12 hours of
operation, the RT5 features a 2.4-inch
colour display with light sensor for autobrightness
and a VHF/UHF 2400-9600 bps
modem that ensures communications even
when voice comms are impossible. It can
even operate with old analog radios, de facto
providing an immediate upgrade to those
assets. Messages, either free text or preformatted,
can easily be typed through the
keyboard. The RT5 has a built-in GPS
receiver and antenna, which means that
position information can readily be relayed
on the network. It also features an interface to
Ethernet LAN, USB storage devices, rugged
printers or cameras. Version 4 will feature
built-in speakers and will handle a
proprietary waveform ensuring secure
digital voice communication.
I INVISIO
A most widely used man-machine interface
is definitely push-to-talk, or PTT in
military jargon. Two such systems were
recently introduced. Invisio developed its
Source of Sound Mini Black Box is one of the
latest addition to the numerous hearing and
ear protection systems that might become part
of SMPs. (Armada/P. Valpolini)
new V60 with a view to improving
performance and lowering weight. At 145
grams, more than 100 grams less than the
previous models, it features three
communications ports to which any type of
system can be linked, radios, intercom
systems, mobile phones, computers, metal
detectors, etc.
The four PTTs, two primary and two
secondary, can handle up to two nets. Fully
plug and play, the V60 does not need any
battery, power being taken from the radio.
Submersible up to 20 metres, it can be
equipped with Invisio in-ear protecting
headsets and bone microphones.
I SOURCE OF SOUND
Established 20 years ago Source Of Sound
(SOS) of Israel has sold over 25,000 noise
reduction sets. Fully trusting the in-ear
solution, SOS is currently marketing its
Mini Black Box, a miniaturized in-ear
headset powered from the radio that
features passive and active noise control in
both noisy and normal environments and
ensures clear communications, ambience
noise being also increasable to obtain better
hearing in ambush situations. The SOS
product supports full duplex radio and
works on the noise compression principle,
which provides a noise reduction rate of 22,
and ensures optimal protection against
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Compendium Modern Soldier Programme 2013