More Than a Position Readout
INCREASINGLY CAPABLE MOBILE DEVICES ALLOW GROUND FORCES TO ACCURATELY ESTABLISH THEIR POSITIONS AND RECEIVE OTHER VITAL TACTICAL DATA.
BY Marty Kauchak, SOTECH Correspondent
An increasing number of rugged, lightweight mobile devices in the form of PDAs, GPS receivers and other applications provide SOF and other ground warriors with precision navigation data. The governmentindustry team is rapidly updating these products to integrate other vital tactical information in the form of proximity to mine danger areas, video feeds and other data. Many of these portable handheld systems may be adapted to vehicle use, providing dismounted and vehicle-borne operators with information beyond a simple latitude/longitude or grid coordinate readout.
The ground navigation systems used by SOF operators will conform to standards and requirements developed by other U.S. DoD components. “We have no SOF peculiar defined requirements for handheld navigation systems,” noted Captain Wes Ticer, spokesperson, USSOCOM.
PRODUCT SNAPSHOTS
Trimble delivers three handheld PCs that enable land navigation. Trimble’s Recon is a pocket-sized, Windows PC, Mobile 6.0 platform. One indication of the product’s popularity within U.S. DoD is represented by the approximate 10,000 units that have been delivered to the U.S. Marine Corps. “It has become a very popular device in life-saving applications,” said Michael Anthony of Promark Technology, a distributor for Trimble. Recon has also gained favor with SOF forces. “The SOF community has been using the Recon for about three or four years, and continues to use it for different applications,” Ken Wineberg, national federal sales manager, handhelds, Trimble Navigation, told SOTECH.
A recon unit with a Chi Systems-provided mapping application was put through its paces for SOTECH at a recent defense conference. The unit was capable of supporting two maps—one topographical and one embedded with overhead satellite-imagery of a location. The Recon represents a trend found in other industry models—a capability to be integrated into command and control or more complex network architectures. Bryan Meissner, software engineer, Chi Systems, pointed out that Recon is “a networked command and control application. We can share various types of information that allows you to have tracking information and various tactical graphics for rally points, pickup points and the like. And we can draw simple graphics or drop tracks on the map so I can say, ‘There are friendly units up here, enemy units down there.’ This information will automatically be shared across a network,” he said.
Modules that can be added onto the Recon include CompacFlash GPS, a camera and other capabilities.
A second product in the Trimble portfolio is Ranger. While Ranger’s core technology is similar to Recon, it includes an alpha-numeric keypad with separate navigation and other enabling features. The Nomad is the company’s most recent product offering.
The Nomad’s “806 MHz Marvell XScale processor is the fastest processor in a PDA,” pointed out Anthony.
Nomad and its earlier siblings meet specifications and standards that allow them to be used in adverse operational environments. The product’s ruggedness is enabled by conformance to MIL-STD-810F for dust, shock, vibration and other criteria, and IP67 for water immersion.
Nomad can be configured for GPS and, in addition to Recon, can be vehicle mounted. “There is a DC adapter that allows them to run off vehicle power,” said Anthony.
The Sierra Nevada Corp. (SNC) Tactical Network, Tacti-Net, is a state-of-the-art wireless battlefield network used by mounted and dismounted warfighters. The Tacti-Net uses SNC’s Tacticomp computers in addition to other COTS devices. The Tacticomps are highly integrated devices that act as nodes in the Tacti-Net system.
The Tacti-Net combines broadband ISR video distribution, position location data and voice capability. Each Tacticomp automatically connects, forming a peer-to-peer “self-forming/self-healing” network, with each dismounted or mounted soldier wearing or carrying the device. Tacti-Net applications include streaming video, Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP), mapping, geolocation, chat and text messaging. The Tacti-Net allows the operator to access live streaming video on the battlefield, along with VOIP, a moving-map display and e-mail connectivity. These capabilities together greatly enhance his ability to receive and understand information during counter insurgency and other SOF-like missions. Chris Manuel, a former SOF operator and now a vice president at Sierra Nevada Corp.’s C4N business area, told SOTECH, “It goes far beyond a GPS, or GPS-like capability. I consider that aspect a very small component of what we actually do.”
Tacti-Net provides an icon on the moving map display for each individual or vehicle with the device and shares information with other warfighters on the network. The ability to show or not show one’s icon is selectable. The system can refresh all positions every second if desired. Manuel further explained, “This means the refresh rate is quick enough to allow tactical command and control of mounted or dismounted troops. Our next step is to collaborate with airborne platforms as well through the network. If implemented on a wide scale, soldiers and airmen will not only know the location of friendly forces, they will be able to share pertinent data through an air/ground network.”
Manuel also pointed out, “Our newest tablet computer, the Tacticomp 5, allows constant updated geopositioning of friendly forces inside the Tacti-Net. This becomes a major factor in preventing fratricide [friendon- friend] battlefield incidents.” While Manuel opted not to call the five-pound Tacticomp 5 a wearable device or computer, he noted the dismountable tablet is more of a leader’s device and designed to fit between SNC’s ruggedized handheld, the Tacticomp 1.5, and vehicle mounted computer, the Tacticomp 6. “This is what a leader would use to receive video or a much bigger picture than what I would consider a wearable device,” he added.
SNC currently has delivered over 650 Tacticomp 1.5 handheld computers to SOF and conventional forces, and there are about 350 vehicle-mounted Tacticomp 6 devices in service with DoD. “We are getting good feedback from users on the Tacticomp 5,” said Manuel.
The Tacti-Net also includes beyond lineof- sight (BLOS) systems. It is fielded in Baghdad with an integrated Ku Satcom, wideband-on-the-move system. The Tacti- Net is also interoperable with multiple BLOS radios, such as the PRC 117F, PSC 5, PRC 148, PRC 152 and BGAN satellite terminals. The Tacti-Net routinely distributes video from spotter scopes, LRAS3, Rover, OSRVT and ground control units of multiple UAVs.
Prime integrator SNC has teamed with Azonix to develop the Tacticomp 5 and Stan Solutions to field the Tacti-Net system.
Another industry vendor, Technology Advancement Group, provides its TC100 Commander ultra mobile device. According to the company, “Built-in GPS functionality ensures real-time situational awareness on the battlefield, and the device can be further customized to support wireless communications protocols for relaying critical intelligence and reconnaissance data.”
The Commander’s capabilities match other evolving trends in the industry. The four-pound TC100 has a built-in high resolution LCD screen that provides clarity for viewing live video feeds on the move. The responsive touch screen and built-in wireless capabilities allow the Commander to also be used “as a custom, touch-sensitive ‘remote control’ for unmanned combat vehicles and reconnaissance drones.”
GPS-DENIED
GPS denial, or the inability to receive a constant satellites-delivered signal, is a vexing problem for ground warriors operating in urban terrain, steep valleys and caves. “The guys we talk to say this is their primary focus. They are looking to explore caves and other activities, and they want to know where they are,” noted Chi Systems’ Meissner.
While there are no USSOCOM-specific efforts to address this technology gap, the command is monitoring progress in this area. “Although GPS denial problems are a concern of SOF, they are not unique to SOF. Consequently, USSOCOM does not have any technology programs addressing handheld navigation and position awareness in GPSdenied environments. The command tracks related technology initiatives in industry, the military departments and the defense agencies for possible SOF applications,” said Ticer.
The Trimble-Chi Systems team provides man-portable, man-worn tracking systems to the SOF community for use in both GPS and GPS-denied environments. “We use Trimble’s PDA, and we are primarily focused on the software and the tracking aspects of that problem,” said Meissner.
GPS-denied tracking on a Trimble unit is a fusion of GPS tracking and inertial navigation. The inertial navigation component is an adjustment factor for the system. For an operator exiting a building or other venue that did not have a constant signal, the handheld unit regains the temporarily lost GPS signal and adjusts some of the error accumulated using inertial navigation.
“We take both of those signals and use them together in an urban environment, in and out of buildings, in a valley where you may gain and lose signals, or in a cave when you lose signals all together,” pointed out Meissner.
This GPS-denied tracking capability is reported by the industry team to provide operators with a very accurate fix of their location and of other unit members’ current or last known location.
For its part, SNC has also looked closely at resolving the GPS denial problem. The company has “a very good solution; unfortunately it’s still in the proprietary mode. We have a program that we’re planning to bid on. We have a rather unique solution that will save the government a lot of money,” said Manuel.
DOWN STREAM DEVELOPMENT
ITT’s NexTrak GPS Global Messenger is due for a limited Beta-release as this issue was going to press.
NexTrak was designed to provide ondemand tracking and secure, two-way messaging capability. NexTrak was also designed to operate with fielded DoD systems, including the Marine Corps’ Command and Control Personal Computer and Global Command and Control System. “This is a beacon tracker, but also a messaging device. You can send text-based messages as well as command messages to the device,” Lyn Young, product manager, ITT Intelligence and Information Warfare division, told SOTECH.
As a geonavigational tool, the product allows geofences, or keep-away zones, to be inserted to depict hostile forces, mine danger areas and other high interest information. NexTrack’s standard features also include 256-bit AES encryption and a configurable beaconing capability. Brief, configurable messages that may be sent through the NexTrak could include “Send Rescue” or “Under Fire.”
The 12-ounce, handheld device was designed to be compatible with GPS and the Iridium Short Burst Data.
HELP WANTED
While industry is providing more rugged and capable land-navigation systems for its government customers, there are still technology shortfalls that need to be addressed.
There are a variety of approaches to addressing handheld GPS denial and other problems, including inertial navigation, digital compasses, and leveraging the communication infrastructure. “The shortcomings of existing technologies include size, weight and power [SWAP]; cost of miniature inertial navigation technology; accuracy and reliability of digital compasses; and operation in radio frequency-denied environments. The challenge for industry is to supply the military and emergency providers with a handheld system that utilizes all necessary approaches to accomplish an integrated, secure, ‘one-button’ operation as well as precision positioning, navigating and targeting solutions for select individual and other force requirements. This system must operate in sea, air, land and underground environments, under all weather conditions, while minimizing SWAP and signature,” said Ticer.
And ultimately, USSOCOM envisions such precise positioning capability as organic to all communications and sensing devices. ♦
The ground navigation systems used by SOF operators will conform to standards and requirements developed by other U.S. DoD components. “We have no SOF peculiar defined requirements for handheld navigation systems,” noted Captain Wes Ticer, spokesperson, USSOCOM.
PRODUCT SNAPSHOTS
Trimble delivers three handheld PCs that enable land navigation. Trimble’s Recon is a pocket-sized, Windows PC, Mobile 6.0 platform. One indication of the product’s popularity within U.S. DoD is represented by the approximate 10,000 units that have been delivered to the U.S. Marine Corps. “It has become a very popular device in life-saving applications,” said Michael Anthony of Promark Technology, a distributor for Trimble. Recon has also gained favor with SOF forces. “The SOF community has been using the Recon for about three or four years, and continues to use it for different applications,” Ken Wineberg, national federal sales manager, handhelds, Trimble Navigation, told SOTECH.
A recon unit with a Chi Systems-provided mapping application was put through its paces for SOTECH at a recent defense conference. The unit was capable of supporting two maps—one topographical and one embedded with overhead satellite-imagery of a location. The Recon represents a trend found in other industry models—a capability to be integrated into command and control or more complex network architectures. Bryan Meissner, software engineer, Chi Systems, pointed out that Recon is “a networked command and control application. We can share various types of information that allows you to have tracking information and various tactical graphics for rally points, pickup points and the like. And we can draw simple graphics or drop tracks on the map so I can say, ‘There are friendly units up here, enemy units down there.’ This information will automatically be shared across a network,” he said.
Modules that can be added onto the Recon include CompacFlash GPS, a camera and other capabilities.
A second product in the Trimble portfolio is Ranger. While Ranger’s core technology is similar to Recon, it includes an alpha-numeric keypad with separate navigation and other enabling features. The Nomad is the company’s most recent product offering.
The Nomad’s “806 MHz Marvell XScale processor is the fastest processor in a PDA,” pointed out Anthony.
Nomad and its earlier siblings meet specifications and standards that allow them to be used in adverse operational environments. The product’s ruggedness is enabled by conformance to MIL-STD-810F for dust, shock, vibration and other criteria, and IP67 for water immersion.
Nomad can be configured for GPS and, in addition to Recon, can be vehicle mounted. “There is a DC adapter that allows them to run off vehicle power,” said Anthony.
The Sierra Nevada Corp. (SNC) Tactical Network, Tacti-Net, is a state-of-the-art wireless battlefield network used by mounted and dismounted warfighters. The Tacti-Net uses SNC’s Tacticomp computers in addition to other COTS devices. The Tacticomps are highly integrated devices that act as nodes in the Tacti-Net system.
The Tacti-Net combines broadband ISR video distribution, position location data and voice capability. Each Tacticomp automatically connects, forming a peer-to-peer “self-forming/self-healing” network, with each dismounted or mounted soldier wearing or carrying the device. Tacti-Net applications include streaming video, Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP), mapping, geolocation, chat and text messaging. The Tacti-Net allows the operator to access live streaming video on the battlefield, along with VOIP, a moving-map display and e-mail connectivity. These capabilities together greatly enhance his ability to receive and understand information during counter insurgency and other SOF-like missions. Chris Manuel, a former SOF operator and now a vice president at Sierra Nevada Corp.’s C4N business area, told SOTECH, “It goes far beyond a GPS, or GPS-like capability. I consider that aspect a very small component of what we actually do.”
Tacti-Net provides an icon on the moving map display for each individual or vehicle with the device and shares information with other warfighters on the network. The ability to show or not show one’s icon is selectable. The system can refresh all positions every second if desired. Manuel further explained, “This means the refresh rate is quick enough to allow tactical command and control of mounted or dismounted troops. Our next step is to collaborate with airborne platforms as well through the network. If implemented on a wide scale, soldiers and airmen will not only know the location of friendly forces, they will be able to share pertinent data through an air/ground network.”
Manuel also pointed out, “Our newest tablet computer, the Tacticomp 5, allows constant updated geopositioning of friendly forces inside the Tacti-Net. This becomes a major factor in preventing fratricide [friendon- friend] battlefield incidents.” While Manuel opted not to call the five-pound Tacticomp 5 a wearable device or computer, he noted the dismountable tablet is more of a leader’s device and designed to fit between SNC’s ruggedized handheld, the Tacticomp 1.5, and vehicle mounted computer, the Tacticomp 6. “This is what a leader would use to receive video or a much bigger picture than what I would consider a wearable device,” he added.
SNC currently has delivered over 650 Tacticomp 1.5 handheld computers to SOF and conventional forces, and there are about 350 vehicle-mounted Tacticomp 6 devices in service with DoD. “We are getting good feedback from users on the Tacticomp 5,” said Manuel.
The Tacti-Net also includes beyond lineof- sight (BLOS) systems. It is fielded in Baghdad with an integrated Ku Satcom, wideband-on-the-move system. The Tacti- Net is also interoperable with multiple BLOS radios, such as the PRC 117F, PSC 5, PRC 148, PRC 152 and BGAN satellite terminals. The Tacti-Net routinely distributes video from spotter scopes, LRAS3, Rover, OSRVT and ground control units of multiple UAVs.
Prime integrator SNC has teamed with Azonix to develop the Tacticomp 5 and Stan Solutions to field the Tacti-Net system.
Another industry vendor, Technology Advancement Group, provides its TC100 Commander ultra mobile device. According to the company, “Built-in GPS functionality ensures real-time situational awareness on the battlefield, and the device can be further customized to support wireless communications protocols for relaying critical intelligence and reconnaissance data.”
The Commander’s capabilities match other evolving trends in the industry. The four-pound TC100 has a built-in high resolution LCD screen that provides clarity for viewing live video feeds on the move. The responsive touch screen and built-in wireless capabilities allow the Commander to also be used “as a custom, touch-sensitive ‘remote control’ for unmanned combat vehicles and reconnaissance drones.”
GPS-DENIED
GPS denial, or the inability to receive a constant satellites-delivered signal, is a vexing problem for ground warriors operating in urban terrain, steep valleys and caves. “The guys we talk to say this is their primary focus. They are looking to explore caves and other activities, and they want to know where they are,” noted Chi Systems’ Meissner.
While there are no USSOCOM-specific efforts to address this technology gap, the command is monitoring progress in this area. “Although GPS denial problems are a concern of SOF, they are not unique to SOF. Consequently, USSOCOM does not have any technology programs addressing handheld navigation and position awareness in GPSdenied environments. The command tracks related technology initiatives in industry, the military departments and the defense agencies for possible SOF applications,” said Ticer.
The Trimble-Chi Systems team provides man-portable, man-worn tracking systems to the SOF community for use in both GPS and GPS-denied environments. “We use Trimble’s PDA, and we are primarily focused on the software and the tracking aspects of that problem,” said Meissner.
GPS-denied tracking on a Trimble unit is a fusion of GPS tracking and inertial navigation. The inertial navigation component is an adjustment factor for the system. For an operator exiting a building or other venue that did not have a constant signal, the handheld unit regains the temporarily lost GPS signal and adjusts some of the error accumulated using inertial navigation.
“We take both of those signals and use them together in an urban environment, in and out of buildings, in a valley where you may gain and lose signals, or in a cave when you lose signals all together,” pointed out Meissner.
This GPS-denied tracking capability is reported by the industry team to provide operators with a very accurate fix of their location and of other unit members’ current or last known location.
For its part, SNC has also looked closely at resolving the GPS denial problem. The company has “a very good solution; unfortunately it’s still in the proprietary mode. We have a program that we’re planning to bid on. We have a rather unique solution that will save the government a lot of money,” said Manuel.
DOWN STREAM DEVELOPMENT
ITT’s NexTrak GPS Global Messenger is due for a limited Beta-release as this issue was going to press.
NexTrak was designed to provide ondemand tracking and secure, two-way messaging capability. NexTrak was also designed to operate with fielded DoD systems, including the Marine Corps’ Command and Control Personal Computer and Global Command and Control System. “This is a beacon tracker, but also a messaging device. You can send text-based messages as well as command messages to the device,” Lyn Young, product manager, ITT Intelligence and Information Warfare division, told SOTECH.
As a geonavigational tool, the product allows geofences, or keep-away zones, to be inserted to depict hostile forces, mine danger areas and other high interest information. NexTrack’s standard features also include 256-bit AES encryption and a configurable beaconing capability. Brief, configurable messages that may be sent through the NexTrak could include “Send Rescue” or “Under Fire.”
The 12-ounce, handheld device was designed to be compatible with GPS and the Iridium Short Burst Data.
HELP WANTED
While industry is providing more rugged and capable land-navigation systems for its government customers, there are still technology shortfalls that need to be addressed.
There are a variety of approaches to addressing handheld GPS denial and other problems, including inertial navigation, digital compasses, and leveraging the communication infrastructure. “The shortcomings of existing technologies include size, weight and power [SWAP]; cost of miniature inertial navigation technology; accuracy and reliability of digital compasses; and operation in radio frequency-denied environments. The challenge for industry is to supply the military and emergency providers with a handheld system that utilizes all necessary approaches to accomplish an integrated, secure, ‘one-button’ operation as well as precision positioning, navigating and targeting solutions for select individual and other force requirements. This system must operate in sea, air, land and underground environments, under all weather conditions, while minimizing SWAP and signature,” said Ticer.
And ultimately, USSOCOM envisions such precise positioning capability as organic to all communications and sensing devices. ♦