Tactical Communications News

Robosys Automation, developers of Voyager autonomous navigation systems, built in close collaboration with Ring Powercraft, Ambex Marine and DTC, Domo Tactical Communications have put the 'RoboRat' on trial in the Solent area, a trial showcasing Robosys’ latest intelligent autopilot software for commercial and recreational vessels and demonstrations for a multitude of applications are being scheduled throughout the summer. The ‘RoboRat’, designed for inshore reconnaissance/ survey…

General Dynamics successfully completed the initial field deployment and test of the Remote Video Surveillance System (RVSS) upgrade for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This test demonstrated many technical capabilities of the RVSS system and is a key program milestone in its deployment schedule. U.S. Border Patrol agents are currently operating the RVSS in Nogales, Ariz., and CBP has also initiated deployments in both Naco and Douglas, Ariz. "The Remote Video Surveillance System is a critical element of our overall plan to secure the border, increase our mission effectiveness and protect our agents," said Mark Borkowski, assistant commissioner and chief acquisition executive of CBP's Office of Technology Innovation and Acquisition.

The maritime wing of the Australian Army purchased and installed a VSTEP simulator classroom for landing craft operations and navigation training at its Townsville base in Queensland. According to VSTEP, the simulator purchase was made following an enquiry from the Australian Defense Force (ADF) and Bohemia Interactive Simulations, a global software company providing simulation training solutions for military and civilian organizations. As a developer of certified maritime simulators…

The Mexican Navy selected VSTEP to supply a Class A NAUTIS Full Mission Bridge (FMB) Simulator and 24 NAUTIS desktop trainer stations for the Naval Academy in Veracruz. The simulators will be installed at the new simulator training wing of the Heroica Escuela Naval Militar set to open in Q4 2014. The Heroica Escuela Naval Militar is the school where future officers are trained for the General Corps of the Mexican Navy. In line with the expansion of the school’s training facilities, a new simulator wing is currently under construction.

Bremerton, WA., aluminium boat builder SAFE Boats International (SBI) informs that it has delivered the cutter boat 'Over the Horizon IV' (CB-OTH-IV) POLAR to the 420-foot Ice Breaker, USCG Cutter Healy. The CB-OTH-IV POLAR has a modified outfit package different from the standard 26-foot CB-OTH-IV parent craft which SBI has been delivering to the U.S. Coast Guard since 2013 as part of a multi-year, 104 boat contract. Although modified, the vessel maintains the ability to interface with the National Security Fast Response Cutters.

Barrett Communications announced the appointment of Joe Mauro as a Business Development Manager with Barrett USA LLC as of October 1, 2013. Joe’s primary role is to look after and develop Barrett Communications’ markets throughout North America, including the management of U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Programs, cooperation and teaming with U.S. Prime Contractors and supporting Barretts’ North American distributor network. Joe has more than 12 years business development and sales experience in the radio communication market and a U.S. Navy tactical communications background.

The Safariland Group, a global provider of safety and survivability products designed for the public safety, military, professional and outdoor markets, has acquired Tactical Command Industries, Inc. (TCI), a communications integration business focused on tactical communications systems, including customized and commercial off the shelf headsets and audio solutions. TCI operates out of facilities located in Brentwood, California and Gilmanton, New Hampshire. TCI was founded in 1996 by a group of law enforcement professionals with extensive experience in tactical training and mission work. Having skilled operators at the forefront of TCI’s product development programs, they are adept at both small custom integration projects as well as large defense procurement opportunities.

As part of the ongoing National Distress and Response System (NDRS) Modernization Project (Rescue 21), the U.S. Coast Guard competitively awarded a contract August 5, 2013, to Eyak Technology LLC for design, delivery, installation and support of Rescue 21 capabilities in the Western Rivers. Rescue 21, the Coast Guard’s advanced command, control and communications system, was created to better locate mariners in distress and save lives and property at sea and on navigable waterways.

U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) has accepted the first Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite for initial operational use. MUOS is a next-generation narrowband tactical communications system designed to improve communications for U.S. forces on the move. The Naval Satellite Operations Center (NAVSOC) at Point Mugu, Calif., began "flying" the satellite in June. In addition to providing continuous communication for all branches of the U.S. military, Navy delivered space…

Cambridge Consultants completes new trials on Iridium-based global push-to-talk radio system; Successful trials of new components of US Department of Defense Distributed Tactical Communications System. Cambridge Consultants, a technology design and development firm, today announced it successfully completed initial trials with Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: IRDM) of new key components of the world’s largest push-to-talk (PTT) radio system – the US Department of Defense (DoD) Distributed Tactical Communications System (DTCS). DTCS enables soldiers in isolated areas to communicate without the need for ground infrastructure – and in locations where they often can’t pick up a geostationary satellite’s signal unless they move to higher ground.

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. (NNS) -- The Navy's first Mobile User Objective System satellite was launched Feb. 24 from Space Launch Complex 41. MUOS is a next-generation narrowband tactical communications system designed to improve communications for U.S. forces on the move. MUOS will provide military users simultaneous voice, video and data capability by leveraging 3G mobile communications technology. Born from the need for stable, 24/7 ship-to-shore communication that could be successful regardless of environments and geographical conditions…

Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq:IRDM) reported financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2010. The following reflects the results of Iridium Communications Inc. for the second quarter of 2010 compared to those of Iridium Holdings LLC (predecessor) for the second quarter of 2009. -    Total billable subscribers grew 16.8%, reaching approximately 383,000 – up from approximately 328,000 at the end of the comparable quarter last year. Growth occurred across all product areas. -    Commercial service revenue increased 13.8% to $45.5 million in the second quarter compared to $40.0 million during the second quarter of 2009. For the first half of the year, commercial service revenue was up 12.5% over the first half of 2009.

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has been awarded a contract to supply the navigation and communication systems for nine new 114.8 ft patrol boats being built for the Iraqi navy. The $19m firm, fixed-price contract was awarded to Northrop Grumman’s Sperry Marine business unit by Swiftships Shipbuilders, LLC of Morgan City, La. Work on the contract will be performed by Northrop Grumman’s Ocean Springs, Miss., facility. Under the contract, each of the vessels will be fitted with an integrated bridge system (IBS) based on Sperry Marine’s new-generation VisionMaster FT navigation technology. The IBS will include navigation radars and electronic chart display and information systems running on TotalWatch multi-function workstations.

The Seamen’s Church Institute announces that Captain Henry E. Cummings and Captain Stephen Polk have joined the teaching staff at the Institute’s simulator training center located in the Port of Houston. Since May of 2001, the SCI – Houston Center staff has provided advanced training for deep-sea, inland, and coastal mariners. Captain Henry E. Prior to joining SCI in January of 2008, Captain Henry Cummings was Senior Port Captain and an Operations Officer at XL Marine in Paducah, KY. For two years, he was responsible for managing Navigation and Crewing concerns, supervising chemical tows on the Ohio River, and investigating all vessel incidents and reporting findings to management.

President Bush’s fiscal year 2009 budget request for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) represents $50.5 billion in funding, which is an increase of 6.8 percent over the 2008 fiscal year level – excluding funds provided in emergency supplemental funding. The request targets five areas, detailed in the following release of information from the DHS. The Department of Homeland Security’s main priority is to prevent terrorist attacks against the nation and to protect our nation from dangerous people. DHS will continue to prevent the entry of terrorists while facilitating the legitimate flow of people by strengthening border security efforts and continuing to gain effective control of America’s borders.

General Dynamics reported 2001 third quarter net earnings of $230 million, or $1.13 per share fully diluted, on sales of $3 billion. This is an 11 percent per share increase over the third quarter of 2000, when net earnings were $204 million, or $1.02 per share, on sales of $2.5 billion, before consideration of a non-recurring tax-related gain of $90 million in the third quarter of 2000. Cash flow from operations from the 2001 third quarter was $330 million. The quarter ended on September 30, 2001. For the first nine months of 2001, sales were $8.7 billion, compared with $7.7 billion for the first nine months of 2000. Net earnings for the first nine months of 2001 were $669 million…