Military organizations around the world are planning for next generation of digitally-armed soldiers. The digital future soldier will be fully equipped with advanced weapon and communication systems. These systems are intended to enhance soldiers’ survival and effectiveness by augmenting command and control (C&C), lethality, mobility, and sustainability. The soldier of the not too distant future will carry a range of devices that will generate and receive more and more data, establishing a single information environment through the transparent flow of information.
The U.S. Army’s Nett Warrior system that provides future soldiers secure and mobile voice, video and data communications capabilities. With this system leaders can send information using services such as e-mail, text messages and icons that signify different threat levels. The Nett Warrior program is pairing commercial-off-the-shelf smart phones with the AN/PRC-154 Rifleman Radio transmitter/receiver to display maps, troop positions and operational updates previously restricted to vehicles or hard-wired command posts. To date, more than 900 kits containing items such as radios, ancillary items, smart phones, cables and chest mount pouches have been fielded.
United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is currently seeking white paper submissions on new technologies that will help build the Tactical Assault Light Operator Suit, or TALOS– an advanced infantry future soldier uniform that promises to provide superhuman strength with greater ballistic protection. Using wide-area networking and on-board computers, operators will have more situational awareness of the action around them and of their own bodies.
The UK’s Future Infantry Soldier Technology (FIST) program is building a similar modular system that includes weapons, clothing, aiming devices, radios, helmet mounted displays, night vision, GPS, and communications components.
The future soldier is fully equipped with advanced weapon and communication systems. He/She is outfitted with a multitude of electronic devices, such as a navigation systems, battery packs, headsets, warning sensors, video visor for weapons, night vision glasses and many more items necessary for “modern” warfare. All of these devices have to communicate each other by means of robust, reliable connection systems
Regardless of the platform used, wired Ethernet is the key component that ties everything together. Every ounce and inch on a mobile platform is critical. Tying Ethernet components together with a minimum of weight and minimal power requirements is essential.
The growing number of Ethernet-based devices supporting future soldier applications must be connected to the mission computer, and often to each other; Ethernet switches are the common means of making such connections.
A range of Ethernet switches are needed to support the multiple platforms used in military and commercial mobile platforms.
Techaya is a prime developer, innovator and manufacturer of ultra-compact, military rugged and tailor-made IP-based communications solutions. Techaya designs and manufacturers Ethernet networking equipment including rugged switches purpose built for military applications. Techaya offers a range of light-weight adaptable systems that are ideally suited for frontline forces in the most complex operational scenarios.
Our ultra-compact line of military Ethernet switches and communications hubs was inspired by activities in the modern battlefield. This new and unique concept forms the basis for delivering and collaborating intelligence information along with all required communication at a tiny size and low weight that can be carried in smart combat vest solutions by future soldiers. All of Techaya’s MILTECH solutions meet MILSTD-461E, MILSTD-810F GM, and IP68 standards.
Techaya will be demonstrating the MILTECH product line at AUSA, Oct 21-23 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC. For more information on the Techaya line of MILTECH military-grade Ethernet switches, go to www.militaryethernet.com.
