Armada’s monthly roundup of all the latest news in the military communications product, programme and operational domains.
New Persistent Systems 5G and WiFi module
A January press release from Persistent Systems announced the launch of the Personal Transport-5 (PT5) accessory for the company’s MPU5 mobile ad hoc networking handheld radio. The PT5 connects with the MPU5 to provide simultaneous local network, or deployed, fifth-generation (5G) and Wi-Fi connectivity. Users can then perform line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight cellular communications over these 5G networks. Two WiFi 6e access points facilitate a personal area network to connect external devices like computers, cameras and sensors. Legacy 2.4 gigahertz/GHz WiFi-enabled devices can be linked to the PT5 along with five gigahertz and six gigahertz 6e systems. The press release stated that the PT5 has two layers of accredited encryption. This communications/transmission security protocol allows traffic to move securely across third party 5G networks. The company trialled PT5 devices with the US Army Special Operations Command and the US Department of Energy. Persistent Systems told Armada that the PT5 continues to be used by these organisations and is now available for wider acquisition. The PT5 connects directly with the MPU5 via any of the latter’s ports and can also be connected via cable if preferred.
Terminal Upgrades
On 21st January, Gilat Satellite Networks announced that the company’s Gilat DataPath subsidiary in the United States had won a contract worth over $5 million from the US Department of Defence (DOD). The contract covers maintenance, upgrades and field services for the company’s Satellite Communications (SATCOM) terminals. Recipients for these services include SATCOM terminals used by the US military and allied forces around the world. Nicole Robinson, Gilat DataPath’s president, told Armada that the company had already delivered over 6,000 SATCOM terminals to customers globally. The company will provide the services for its DKET SATCOM terminals, and related systems “in support of defence users from the US as well as allied nations in Europe and the Asia-Pacific.” Ms. Robinson added that one upgrade covers the provision of beyond-line-of-sight satellite communications capabilities to an undisclosed US uninhabited aerial vehicle manufacturer. Additional upgrades will be provided to the company’s DataPath 3000 series and DKET 2000 series terminals. Numerically, most improvements are being conferred on terminals employed by the US Army.
by Dr. Thomas Withington
