AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Overwatch, businesses ofTextron Systems, a Textron Inc. company, along with ViaSat Inc.,said they are showcasing the Forward Airborne Secure Transmissionsand Communications (FASTCOM) system during Empire Challenge 11, ajoint and international intelligence, surveillance andreconnaissance interoperability demonstration sponsored by theOffice of the Undersecretary of Defense, Intelligence and hosted bythe U.S. Joint Forces Command.
Sponsored by the U.S. Army Brigade Modernization Command, AAIUAS, Overwatch and ViaSat said they will demonstrate the FASTCOMsecure battlefield cellular network at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., eachday from May 23 to June 3.
According to a release, Empire Challenge 11 is the first publicFASTCOM system demonstration incorporating an aircraft. The FASTCOMsystem can be powered by unmanned aircraft such as AAI's ShadowTactical UAS, manned aircraft, an aerostat or a ground vehicleequipped with AAI-developed tactical pods, ViaSat's communicationssuite, and Overwatch's all-source intelligence software. For theEmpire Challenge 11 demonstration, cellular infrastructure andcommercial spectrum are being provided through a relationship withEnterprise PCS.
Creating a secure, mobile cellular network for up to 100simultaneous users, the FASTCOM system's all-IP (Internet Protocol)network-in-a-box enables voice, data and imagery communications atthe tactical edge, satellite communications connectivity amongmultiple networks, and backhaul across the battlefield.
"FASTCOM is a highly expeditionary system that creates flexible,secure battlefield communications networks, regardless of thesurrounding environment or lack of infrastructure," says VicePresident, Ground Control Technologies Bill Irby of AAI UnmannedAircraft Systems. "We can give dismounted warfighters valuableconnectivity and situational awareness directly from theircommercial smartphones and tablet computers."
Empire Challenge 11 also will showcase how users in a FASTCOMnetwork can download and display full motion video right from theirsmartphones or tablet computers. Applications demonstrated withinthe network include Overwatch's SoldierEyes and Cloudwave.SoldierEyes provides tactical responders access to analytical,collaboration and investigative tools via their smartphone devices,while Cloudwave allows users to operate needed applications fromtheir local machines in low-connectivity scenarios and reconnect tothe networked application when able. In addition, the team isworking on integration and certification of ViaSat encryptiontechnology that will enable Secret-level and below communicationswithin the FASTCOM network and with any connected networkenterprise.
"Commercial technologies are transforming military communicationsby combining FASTCOM with a new generation of high-capacitysatellites going into service this year, offering better battlefieldconnectivity, lowering the cost of capacity and enabling new,innovative tools," said Vice President, ViaSat Government SystemsDivision Jerry Goodwin. "ViaSat's secure smartphone technology,using standard commercial phones together with FASTCOM, provides arich information environment for every soldier on the battlefield."
"We're connecting the warfighter on the tactical edge to aspectrum of information that greatly enhances situationalawareness," says Overwatch Vice President, Business Development &Strategy Jon Percy. "No matter the location or the circumstances,dismounted warfighters will retain both access to data and theability to develop it into actionable information."
AAI Corp. and its indirect subsidiaries Aerosonde Pty and ESLDefence Limited design, produce and support aerospace and defenseproducts and services, including unmanned aircraft and groundcontrol technologies; high-fidelity training and simulation systems;automated aerospace test and maintenance equipment; armamentsystems; and logistical, engineering, supply chain and operationalsupport services. AAI Corp. is an indirect subsidiary of Textron,Inc.
Overwatch, a strategic business of Textron Systems AdvancedSystems, an operating unit of Textron Systems, is a provider ofintegrated intelligence software solutions and services as well assatellite communications systems for U.S. and international defenseand intelligence communities.
ViaSat produces satellite and other digital communicationproducts that enable secure, and efficient communications tovirtually any location.
Enterprise PCS (EPCS) provides on-premise cellular systemsdeploying wireless voice, data and messaging services to end usersand resellers utilizing licensed Federal Communications Commissionwireless spectrum in the United States and U.S. Possessions.
More information:
www.textron.com
www.aaicorp.com
www.overwatch.com
www.viasat.com
www.enterprisepcs.com
www.textronsystems.com
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