BLACK WATCH Powered Rail Eliminates Battery Weight and Woes T Worx T Worx Ventures has developed a powered rail for the M4 carbine and AR-15 that provides a centralized electrical power source for weaponmounted gear. The powered rail simplifies battery management, and reduces the number of batteries required, lightening the mission load. Total weight of batteries carried can be slashed, with a load of up to 13 pounds being whittled down to 9.5 ounces, and almost one pound of weight is shifted from the rail to the buttstock. Some combatants are lugging more than 100 pounds of gear into battle, and the Department of Defense is attempting to cut that load. Some warfighters carry as many as 30 batteries for each mission. By removing battery weight from accessories, weapon handling is improved and lethality is enhanced. Further, while the charge remaining in a battery can’t be gauged, the powered rail comes with a charge meter that tells how much power remains.
Compiled by KMI Media Group staff
Secure Voice, Data Comms Demonstrated on Radio System General Dynamics Using the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) Handheld, Manpack, Small Form Fit (HMS) two-channel networking radio (AN/PRC-155), General Dynamics C4 Systems recently completed the first demonstration of secure voice and data communications via the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite-communications waveform. The demonstration used an AN/PRC-155 manpack radio—running the MUOS waveform software—to transmit encrypted voice through a MUOS-satellite simulator to the MUOS ground station equipment that will soon be deployed in Sicily. MUOS is a military satellite communications system that will enable secure, mobile networked communications worldwide, even in austere environments. Development of the MUOS waveform remains on track for completion in the third quarter of 2012. By year-end, the MUOS capability will be available on the AN/PRC-155 manpack radio, the first MUOS terminal that will be available to soldiers. “As one of the demonstration participants, I was pleased to talk over the MUOS network using the PRC-155 radio as it will be equipped for soldiers. When fully deployed, the MUOS system will greatly increase much-needed tactical satellite capacity, in terms of both communications bandwidth and the
numbers of users,” said Brigadier General Michael Williamson, Joint Program Executive Officer, Joint Tactical Radio System. “This demonstration proved that the JTRS HMS PRC-155 two-channel radio is ready to provide the portable link necessary to put the power of MUOS into warfighters’ hands,” said Chris Brady, vice president of assured communications for General Dynamics C4 Systems. “General Dynamics developed the MUOS waveform using the PRC-155 manpack radio and it will be the first MUOS communications terminal used by soldiers. With two channels in one radio, a soldier can use one channel for line-of-sight SINCGARS and SRW waveforms, and bridge to the second channel using the MUOS satellite system for unprecedented, dedicated global communications reach.” General Dynamics C4 Systems is the prime contractor of the JTRS HMS radio program, which includes the two-channel PRC-155 networking radio, the PRC-154 Rifleman Radio and several other small form fit networking radios. The JTRS HMS program stipulates that two qualified manufacturers compete for full-rate production contracts, enabling greater affordability for the government. General Dynamics and Thales Communications Inc. will manufacture the PRC-154 Rifleman Radio. The PRC-155 will be manufactured by General Dynamics and Rockwell Collins.
Huge Robot Shrinks Burden on Warfighters DARPA and Boston Dynamics DARPA is testing a robotic system to lift the load from warfighters, a burden that often can pile 100 pounds or more on a combatant. The Legged Squad Support System, or LS3, is derived from the Big Dog, Alpha Dog and other robotics by Boston Dynamics. LS3 walks on four legs and can climb hills, avoid obstacles and will be able to carry 400 pounds for 20 miles. It also will gain the capability to recharge warfighters’ electronic gear. The pioneering agency announced that recently, the LS3 prototype underwent its first outdoor exercise, demonstrating the ability to follow a person using its “eyes”—sensors that allow the robot to distinguish between trees, rocks, terrain obstacles and people. Over the course of the next 18 months, DARPA plans to complete development of and refine key capabilities to ensure LS3 is able to support dismounted squads of warfighters. DARPA has a video of the robot in action at www.darpa.mil/newsevents/releases/2012/02/07.aspx.
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