February 2018

Global Military Communications Magazine

February 2018

Front cover photo courtesy of Roboteam

www.globalmilitarycommunications.com | February 2018

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Editor Amy Saunders [email protected] Sales Christopher Ayres [email protected] Sales Sam Baird [email protected] Circulation Manager Elizabeth George Production [email protected] Editorial Director Richard Hooper [email protected] Managing Director David Shortland [email protected]

Blue Force Tracking - page 16. Photo courtesy of US Army

Contents News review

No par t of this publication may be transmitted, reproduced or electronically stored without the written permission from the publisher. DS Air Publications does not give any warranty as to the content of the material appearing in the magazine, its accuracy, timeliness or fitness for any particular purpose. DS Air Publications disclaims all responsibility for any damages or losses in the use and dissemination of the information. All editorial contents Copyright © 2018 DS Air Publications All rights reserved

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The lifesaving power of semi-autonomous UGV technology

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Q&A with Steve Mills, Newtec’s new Global VP of Sales, and Koen Willems, Newtec’s Market Director Government, Humanitarian and Defence Satcom

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Saving lives with battlefield wearables

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Blue Force Tracking – What’s new?

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Q&A with Robert Garbett, Founder and CEO of Drone Major Group

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Q&A with Rowan Gilmore, Managing Director of EM Solutions

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Eliminating the danger spot: The special needs of seaports

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A global communications crisis

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Photo courtesy InfiNet Wireless

DS Air Publications 1 Langhurstwood Road Horsham West Sussex, RH12 4QD United Kingdom T: +44 1403 273973 F: +44 1403 273972 [email protected] www.globalmilitarycommunications.com

GMC If you would like to supply information for future issues of GMC please contact Amy Saunders, Editor.


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Project Biro order from Armscor

Photo courtesy of Rockwell Collins

US Coast Guard helicopters to see boost in rescue capabilities with avionics upgrade from Rockwell Collins Hovering a four-ton helicopter a mere 50 feet above water at night, with intense swells and wind, could be considered a dangerous job. Combine that with watching and anticipating any number of issues that could arise as crew members drop below to perform a difficult rescue. In that kind of scenario, pilots put a great deal of trust in their aircraft and equipment to do its job when there’s no room for mistakes. Fortunately, pilots of the US Coast Guard MH-65E will be able to take these types of missions head on and safely with the help of Rockwell Collins avionics and its missionized application software. “The Coast Guard mission requires the helicopter’s flight director to be coupled all the way down to 50 feet, much lower than other services,” said Matt Mulnik, Senior Engineering Manager, Maritime and Civil Systems for Rockwell Collins. “For a pilot to have that level of trust in their avionics in that kind of situation is pretty extraordinary. It really speaks volumes to our history of providing reliable systems.” Since 1979, Rockwell Collins has been a primary provider of avionics for Coast Guard helicopters. A long-standing performance based logistics agreement for maintenance has also been in place with the Coast Guard since 1998, currently serving the entire fixed wing and rotary wing fleet. This has played a role in the Coast Guard achieving a nearly 99 percent availability rate of its mission-critical aircraft. Avionics upgrade brings new capabilities By the end of 2019, MH-65 helicopters will start getting equipped with a new avionics architecture from Rockwell Collins that will support the Coast Guard’s plan to extend their operational life. The upgrade, which results in the new designation as MH-65E, includes all-glass, large-format digital displays that bring a boost to video and imaging options. With the upgrade, multiple video sources from outside and inside the aircraft can be displayed. Some of these include video from a hoist camera for a better view and a cabin camera so the pilot can observe activity in the back of the helicopter. The external imaging from infrared radar and electro-optical systems can also be displayed. The system allows the pilots to save images and video to a mission data recorder for immediate review or a later download off of the aircraft. The system is designed with the latest open architecture, allowing for the reuse of applications developed on other programs to be hosted within this avionics system. This includes third party applications maximizing pilot capability with minimal cost to upgrade the system. The upgrade includes Rockwell Collins’ integrated civil and military flight management system. This meets the requirements for area navigation and gives the special mission capability that the Coast Guard needs, while meeting aviation mandates to allow the aircraft to fly in civil airspace. Search and rescue capabilities will also be improved with a full integration of Rockwell Collins’ DF-500 direction finder into the new flight management system and display. The DF-500 receiver continuously scans for emergency beacons over a large frequency range and pinpoints the location of any detected beacon on the digital display. The pilot can set the system to fly directly to that position, fly a search pattern if needed, and also view the point or the flight GMC plan on a digital map, weather display or terrain map.

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Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT) has received an order from Armscor – the acquisition agency for the South African Department of Defence – for three Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPV), 62 x 11 metres. The vessels form part of the South African Navy’s Project Biro. The project aims to develop South Africa’s maritime security, ensuring that the country has the capability to respond effectively, rapidly and costefficiently to maritime threats such as illegal trafficking and fishing. DSCT received the order exactly four years to the day that it received the order to deliver vessels for a previous project for the South African Navy – Project Canter. The yard is delighted to be able to continue to provide support to the navy, says Chairman Mr. Sam Montsi. “We are very happy to receive this order and are looking forward to this continuation of our long-standing relationship with the South African Navy.” Participating in Project Biro underlines Damen’s commitment to the South African Government’s Operation Phakisa initiative, which aims to unlock the potential of the country’s maritime industry. Mr. Montsi continues: “At DSCT we are not only about shipbuilding and repair, but also about providing people with the opportunities needed to reach their potential – whether they work for us or for one of our many local suppliers – and supporting the country’s economy. DSCT is about the development of an entire shipbuilding and related industries.” Naturally, with this philosophy in mind, DSCT will be sourcing as many components and services as possible for the project from South Africa-based suppliers. In this regard, DSCT plans to provide active support for the Government’s Enterprise Supplier Development programme, supporting small and micro-businesses in the country. The project will also actively contribute to the Department of Trade & Industry’s National Industrial Participation (NIP) programme and the complimentary, defence-focused Defence Industrial Participation (DIP). In turn this contributes to the Government’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) initiative. DSCT is a Level-3 BBBEE rated company. The IPVs will be the first vessels of a Damen Sea Axe design to operate in South Africa. The Sea Axe is a revolutionary, Damen patented hull design, which offers exceptional seakeeping behaviour. The straight-edged, axe-shaped bow cuts through the water, minimising slamming for improved safety and comfort on board and significantly reduced fuel consumption and GMC emissions.



Team Freedom lays keel on nation's 21st littoral combat ship The Lockheed Martin-led industry team officially laid the keel for the US Navy's 21st Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), the future USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul, in a ceremony held at Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wisconsin. Ship sponsor Jodi Greene completed the time-honored tradition and authenticated the keel by welding her initials onto a steel plate that will be placed in the hull of the ship. “It is a tremendous honour to serve as the sponsor of the future USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul,” Greene said. “I look forward to supporting the ship and its crew throughout the building process and the life of the ship. I know the people of Minneapolis and Saint Paul will proudly suppor t her when she is commissioned and officially enters the Navy fleet.” The Lockheed Martin and Fincantieri Marinette Marine team is currently in full-rate production of the Freedom-variant of the LCS, and has delivered five ships to the US Navy to date. The future USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul is one of eight ships in various stages of construction at Fincantieri Marinette Marine, with one more in long-lead production. “We are proud to build another proven warship that allows our Navy to carry out their missions around the world,” said Joe DePietro, Lockheed Martin Vice President of small combatants and ship systems. “We look forward to working with the US Navy to continue building and delivering highly capable and adaptable Freedom-variant Littoral Combat Ships to the fleet.” LCS 21 will be the second vessel named for the Twin Cities. SSN-708, a Los Angeles-class submarine, served as the first USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul and was decommissioned in 2008. Her name honors the Twin Cities' patriotic, hard-working citizens


Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin

for their support of the military. The Freedom-variant LCS team is comprised of Lockheed Martin, shipbuilder Fincantieri Marinette Marine, naval architect Gibbs & Cox and more than 800 suppliers in 42 states. GMC

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Photo courtesy of Roboteam

The lifesaving power of semi-autonomous UGV technology Semi-autonomous unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) are changing the way defence forces the world over operate. With increasing capabilities, UGVs are able to avoid human injury and casualty, taking charge of many dangerous, dull and dirty operations across the world. Shahar Abuhazira, CEO of Roboteam, outlines how this technology is changing the world for the better. A recent study on unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) discovered that the global UGV market is expected to exceed $9 billion by 2023, with the defense industry as its primary driver. Due to the maturation of robotic technology and decreasing costs of such technology, military forces around the world are placing robotic platforms in the line of duty where human soldiers used to be. This shift has led to a decrease in casualties in dayto-day missions across the globe and has made dangerous, dull and dirty operations safer and easier to achieve by the warfighter. On today’s battlefield, UGVs serve as weapons, logistic carriers, medical evacuation vehicles and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) tools. The increased adoption of UGV’s is no surprise seeing how technology providers are working to build platforms that best serve the end user. One example of such innovation is semi-autonomous technology. For example, Roboteam’s “Top Layer” technology is an advanced sensor that allows a single operator to control multiple robotic systems at once. An operator can control every feature on each robot with a single controller. This technology enables the creation of a convoy of semi-autonomous robots through the use of a communication network. The operator can navigate the convoy behind line-of-sight to capture intelligence, dispose of threats and conduct other mission-critical activities. Each robot is programmed to instinctively follow the designated leader, while also being able to explore independently. The operator can call the convoy back “home” once they have completed their mission. Sophisticated

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integrated sensors allow the platforms to navigate obstacles and terrain in urban, outdoor and subterranean environments. By design, the top layer technology is interoperable – meaning that the module works with older platforms and will scale to operate with new models in the future. Top layer technology was developed to create a smarter, safer and more intuitive UGV designed for allied armed forces. The use of this technology across the globe has already transformed how the armed forces conduct missions. “It’s becoming clear that military agencies see the tremendous value in robotics and they are sharing their needs with industry,” said Alfred Rebara, Director of Robotics, Roboteam. “Innovations like the semi-autonomous Top Layer technology are addressing the needs of the war fighter and allowing them to navigate the battlefield more safely. It is our job in industry to support the end user and develop the technology in an effective, timely way.” Top Layer Technology in use Currently, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) units rely heavily upon robotics to conduct Counter IED (CIED) and Improvised Explosive Device Disposal operations. Robotics have been relied upon in these formations for decades as revolutionaries and terrorists began to target EOD technicians. Initially these systems were very rudimentary, often created by operators themselves. As the threat evolved, so did the corresponding robotic technology. While the principle techniques employed by EOD technicians to mitigate explosive hazards have remained roughly the same,




robotic technology has matured and become ubiquitous at the team level. With the help of robotics, EOD warfighters are now capable of conducting combat Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD) operations without leaving the safe confines of a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle (MRAP). The next wave of robotics scheduled to be used by EOD and non-EOD forces will bring enhanced modular capabilities that allow payloads and specialized architecture, like semi and fully autonomous payloads, to be quickly mounted to combat unique and extremely hazardous battlefield operations. At some point in the very near future, the technology that is at the heart of the Top Layer capability will allow a robot to search, identify and classify explosive hazards. From EOD to HAZMAT missions, UGVs are paving the way for safety. Semi-autonomous convoys provide soldiers with access to dangerous or previously inaccessible environments, and 3D sensors provide real-time maps of any terrain, which allow forces of any size to move forward without the uncertainty of hidden threats. Presently, the Department of Defense is experimenting with technology within metropolitan and subterranean combat environments. Major metropolitan areas are assessing the value of the technology in search and rescue operations in response to mass casualty events within train and subway tunnels with the hopes that mapping and detection can speed relief and rescue. The use of follow me technology has proven useful in creating semi-autonomous convoys of medium-size unmanned robots. Roboteam’s Micro Tactical Ground Robot (MTGR) is a manportable UGV that utilizes an innovative manipulator to add value for EOD and CBRN missions. When combined with the MTGR, Top Layer technology provides the end user with real-time 360-degree day and night time mapping of virtually any terrain. For subterranean missions, the MTGR’s size and HD video cameras allow it to navigate confined spaces. The future is Top Layer Technology Unmanned ground vehicles are poised to significantly disrupt the way military forces behave in combat. Specifically, innovations in the UGV space will create robots that are equipped for the “triple D” missions: those that are dirty, dangerous and dull. We are already seeing robots play a large role in helping to detect and mitigate explosive hazards and bolstering ISR


missions. Right now, it is more common to see one operator that is controlling one platform than semi-autonomous units. In the future, we can expect to see the UGV industry incrementally move towards autonomy. Top Layer technology is a sneak peek into the future, as more industries come closer to unlocking successful automation. We are seeing this innovation take place in the automobile industry, with major players chipping away at the key to autonomous driving. Specific to UGVs, we are also seeing new technology that allows robots to be controlled using voice commands. The added complexity associated with autonomous robots also creates the need for enhanced security. In the future, unmanned robots will require an ever-growing sophistication and complexity of communication networks that will protect the integrity of a robot’s operation. The lifesaving and efficient power of UGVs is indisputable. Today’s battlefield is complex and filled with a multitude of threats – many of which are unseen by warfighters. The robotics industry is providing innovative solutions, like Top Layer technology that are meeting the needs of end-users now and anticipating the needs of the future. As we move forward, we can expect to see emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, play a larger role in the development of military robotics. For now, autonomous vehicles provide soldiers with an added level of protection and additional capabilities necessary to stay one step ahead of adversaries on the frontlines. GMC


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Engaging with Government and Defence Newtec, a specialist in designing, developing and manufacturing equipment and technologies for satellite communications, is reporting record yearon-year growth of 10 to 20 percent in a sector facing many challenges. The company is currently looking to expand its base in the government and commercial markets alike following a strong year in the mobile backhaul and mobility segments. Amy Saunders met with Steve Mills, Newtec’s new Global VP of Sales, and Koen Willems, Newtec’s Market Director Government, Humanitarian and Defence Satcom, to discuss their vision for the company’s Government & Defence sector, and the latest market trends. Steve Mills, Newtec’s new Global VP of Sales

Koen Willems, Newtec’s Market Director Government, Humanitarian and Defence Satcom

GMC Q&A

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GMC: What is your vision for the industry, and Newtec’s place within it? Steve Mills: The industry is equally growing and changing in direction; it’s getting an awful lot of attention and investment which, of course, has stimulated a huge expectation from the service providers and user community of enhanced connectivity. Existing satellite network operators and new entrants are making significant decisions, particularly around High Throughput Satellites (HTS), Low and Medium Earth Orbit (LEO/MEO) constellations. These large-scale investments are refreshing for the industry as it moves away from the piecemeal fleet refresh. Satellite access for mission critical, high availability and resilient systems is now expected rather than being on the wish list. As technology advances and the larger, more capable and agile constellations appear, the network operators are ever hungry to prove themselves as the provider of choice and look to create a portfolio that will service the entire rainbow of user demand in all the traditional markets and the growing need for mobility, including maritime and In-Flight Connectivity (IFC). With the introduction of new spectrum capacity comes the need for highly efficient, reliable and easy access and this is where Newtec comes in. Remember, now more than ever, exploitation of satellite connectivity is a team sport. With Newtec’s multiservice VSAT platform Newtec Dialog® and highly efficient waveforms, like the dynamic Mx-DMA® bandwidth allocation, our open partnership approach and ability to drive mutually beneficial value propositions, it is no wonder we are being engaged to answer this calling. GMC: How will you help expand Newtec’s presence in the government and military market segments? Steve Mills: I have gained a wealth of experience in the industry, starting some years ago as a UK Military end-user. Over the next decades, I continued to specialise in satellite communications and associated mission communications networks. Therefore, I understand the user concept of operations, the need for resilience and always-on communications, whether it be tactical or strategic. It is key to drive network operators and service providers to focus on the global military markets and develop offers that are fit for purpose. Newtec is not a new player in the government and defence market with significant networks being used across many different scenarios. We are continuing to build on this and working hard to ensure we are providing the right solutions. Clearly these are exciting times! Koen Willems: From a product development point of view, our Newtec Dialog product line will be extended with the XIF hub, fit for upcoming HTS constellations, and a range of modems able to demodulate widebeam carriers of up to 500 Mbaud. Furthermore, government and military on-the-move platforms will be able to switch transparently from one satellite beam to another while also protecting the confidentiality of their operations. More exciting developments will be revealed during SATELLITE 2018, in Washington DC, in March, so keep a close eye on Newtec in the coming months. GMC: What would you say is the biggest challenge faced by governments right now regarding their communications capabilities? Steve Mills: National or sovereign bespoke Milstar networks are always the first choice, but they come at a price. WGS, Skynet, Syracuse, and SICRAL, to name a few, are mature and existing networks for nations which have had the initiative to fund and maintain such systems. But, as we all know, the barrier of entry




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remains restrictively high for many who have no choice but to piggy back these networks, invest in hosted payloads or use a broad spectrum of commercially available systems to get resilience through diversity. There is growing support from waveform designers such as Newtec with strengthening and protected waveforms adding an additional layer onto commercial networks. We have seen increased interest in this even from the core defence user community as their networks reach the point for a technology refresh and their user demand grows. This means more and more augmented services from commercial providers. Memorandums of Understandings (MoUs) between governments continue to drive collaboration and mitigation of the enormous whole-life costs of X-band programmes. This is evident from the take up of WGS in Europe, Skynet in the US and the NATO CP130 initiative. More targeted discussions have seen this in different modes from full delivery of sovereign capability to carved out and guaranteed use of already available systems. Skynet, for example, moved SN5A to South East Asia to address the demand for military networks through commercially available contracts. GMC: How big a challenge is legacy technology and compatibility? Steve Mills: Government procurement agencies are getting very clever now in the way that they write their requirements and drive both innovation and value. In the last few years, the majority of requirements we have seen do have a real vision and expectation for both backwards compatibility, as well as futureproofing for forwards capability. The need for concepts and thought leadership is certainly playing a large part in system design requirements. More and more, we see common language for ‘open architectures’ and ‘open standards’ with as much exploitation of commercially available equipment but with the ability to integrate sovereign eyes-only encryption. This is absolutely in our Newtec DNA. Koen Willems: The vast experience in the broadcast market has taught us to deal with legacy technology and compatibility. Newtec has contributed to a number of DVB standards including the latest DVB-S2X version. Interoperability is key for

broadcasters to exchange and distribute content. The same can be said about government and defence applications. Mission critical information needs to be relayed, exchanged and distributed in order to increase the efficiency of operations and improve decision making. Interoperability or compatibility can happen on the level of the IP layers or on the level of waveforms such as DVB-S2X. In this latest standard, some MODCODs are integrated to be compatible with DVB-S2-based equipment. Critical network transitions demand smooth transition ongoing operations are not disturbed. GMC: Cybersecurity is a pressing problem for governments and commercial entities alike. How can Newtec help ensure mission critical communications in the face of this threat? Koen Willems: There is a European initiative now which says that governments and critical infrastructures must be secured. There is definitely attention being paid to this, not only from the defence side, but also on the government front. If you look at the solutions we have at Newtec, we already offer a level of security which fits to applications. Sure, you can over-spec and over-secure, but that comes with a cost of both efficiency and price. That’s always the trade-off. The real winner here is the one that achieves secure communications, but is still very efficient. There are initiatives that we’re looking at and some that we are already embedded in. For example, there’s the European GovSatcom programme, which looks primarily at efficiency and affordability, but also at resilience and security. We are working with partners towards this initiative. In this situation, you are working in a context where there is a need to adapt to national encryption or national security, and as a system or a platform operator, you can offer transparent and secure communications. We work with external encryption, and as part of the GovSatcom initiative, we also secure our platforms. It’s not only about the security of the link, but also the resilience of the link. Today at Newtec, we have the dynamic Mx-DMA bandwidth allocation, with the Newtec Dialog platform, which inherently houses a government-grade frequency hopping scheme, a technique which ensures greater resilience to rain fade, eavesdropping and jammers at an affordable level which is still efficient. There is not one solution which fits all, there must be a

Image courtesy of Newtec

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solution that fits the application(s). That’s something that we look at on a daily basis. As satellite networks become more hybrid and an extension of terrestrial networks, cyber security is very important to fend off any network intrusions or attacks. Currently, we are adding extra security and high-level encryption layers to the Newtec Dialog VSAT platform to prevent third party entities intruding into other parts of the networks when multiple Virtual Network Operators (VNOs) are connected to a shared VSAT platform. Steve Mills: Let me share one example to illustrate that point: I was fortunate enough this year to be given the opportunity to explore the cyber requirements arena and spent some quality time with capability leaders in the UK Government and defence. These sessions were a complete step change in engagement between industry and government for transparency and the hunger for mutually beneficial partnerships. Certainly, the UK is open for business for industry thought leaders, with the offer to explore hand-in-hand this growing threat. A known starting point is awarding industry experts with cyber vulnerability investigations (CVIs) to understand fully what is known and, of course, what is yet to understand. But, the question which remains and which needs much deeper thought is “What does life look like after the CVI?” This is where partnerships within the industry are essential and not perhaps with single primes, but small, bespoke subject matter experts to build a stable of excellence and focus in a unique ecosystem of protection. GMC: We’re hearing a lot about 5G and spectrum sharing for C-band right now. What’s your take on this challenge? Koen Willems: 5G is poised to radically change the connectivity and service landscape in the coming years. If you look at the Internet of Things (IoT), connected cars, etc., 5G will be in the midst and will be influencing what happens next. If you look at satellite communications, it will be part of that suite of communications connecting everything. Being part of that from day one is very important to understand what the future requirements and future technologies will be, so we can connect the dots and react quickly. As such, we are already part of some initiatives, including a consortium that we signed with partners in order to explore 5G

“5G is poised to radically change the connectivity and service landscape in the coming years.” and future technologies. We feel it is key to be an active player in that ecosystem. Steve Mills: 5G is certainly a hot topic with it being more than a new emergence of spectral efficiency, but a drive towards multispectrum terrestrial and satellite-based technologies. Ultimately the user community simply wants a service regardless of how they are connected or routed. With this drive comes a new era and a need for network orchestration, bearers of opportunity, low cost routing and service prioritisation. Whilst the industry works hard to provide this transparent capability, the challenges of network access, user authentication with PKI adds an additional layer that must be simultaneously addressed as devices connect in and out of these ambiguous networks. GMC: What expectations do you have for 2018 and beyond? Steve Mills: The government and defence space is a serious and addressable market for Newtec. The Newtec Dialog multiservice platform is becoming ever-increasingly relevant, providing service providers and operators with flexibility across different markets to serve a wide range of customers and applications, including government and defence, but also broadcast, consumer and enterprise VSAT, and especially in mobile backhaul and mobility, including IFC and maritime communications. The need for data to be delivered everywhere will see ‘Communications On The Move’ become an increasingly key market. Newtec is already making great strides here, with the first commercial flights featuring Panasonic Avionics’ Newtecdesigned modem for IFC taking place. It’s key to address not only technical innovation, but also business innovation and as such we will be working through 2018 with our partner and customer community to develop advanced value propositions and value creation techniques to GMC drive opportunities that truly benefit the end-user.

Image courtesy of Newtec


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Equivital Black Ghost

Saving lives with battlefield wearables For the soldier in the battlefield, technology can mean the difference between life and death, but there’s so much of it – communications, navigation, situational awareness, not to mention weaponry – that soldiers can easily be overloaded with equipment. Wearable technology makes a huge impact, therefore, on the amount of technology a solider can bring into the field, improving capabilities significantly. Commercial entities, military forces and educational research institutions are investing heavily in the development of wearable solutions to the benefit of the warfighter. Wearable technology has become a major feature in the lives of many in recent years; we all know someone with a Fitbit or an Apple Watch, diligently tracking their steps, calories and heart rates. You can even monitor your heartrate using your Smart phone! While the consumer market might be a little unstable right now with certain companies quietly withdrawing from the arena, data from the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Wearable Device Tracker shows that vendors will have shipped 125.5 million wearable devices in 2017, marking a 20.4 percent increase from the 104.3 million devices shipped in 2016. Indeed, in 2021, we can expect to be seeing some 240.1 million devices shipped, marking a CAGR of 18.2 percent. “The wearables market is entering a new phase,” commented Ramon T Llamas, Research Manager for IDC’s Wearables team. “Since the market’s inception, it’s been a matter of getting product out there to generate awareness and interest. Now it’s about getting the experience right – from the way the hardware looks and feels to how software collects, analyzes, and presents insightful data. What this means for users is that in the years ahead, they will be treated to second- and third-generation

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devices that will make the today’s devices seem quaint. Expect digital assistants, cellular connectivity, and connections to larger systems, both at home and at work. At the same time, expect to see a proliferation in the diversity of devices brought to market, and a decline in prices that will make these more affordable to a larger crowd.” As with many market-led consumer trends, the military has been markedly slower to uptake wearable technologies, and not without reason. New technologies must be ruggedized, lightweight, secure, and be able to deliver pronounced advantages to the warfighter before they are brought into use. In the battlefield, it’s vital that warfighters make use of every possible advantage to achieve the best possible chance of mission success, survival, and injury avoidance. Access to the best possible armour and equipment makes a huge difference. Today, the best armour available is lightweight, tough, and flexible, exceeding everything that has come before. In addition, as wearable technology in the consumer market has gained pace, battlefield armour is now being embedded with the latest technologies to deliver secondar y features such as communications and situational awareness equipment. As technology has advanced, soldiers require more and more equipment in the field. This might include communications technology like radios or VSAT systems, navigational or computing equipment. For medics, the list of equipment is endless. As such, commercial and military research groups have been working on making equipment increasingly mobile, with wearable technology a key focus. When vital equipment can be miniaturised and worn on the body, soldiers can keep more equipment directly on-hand, enabling enhanced capabilities in the field, while keeping their hands free for more pressing tasks. The beginning of the Internet of Battlefield Things We’re all familiar with the Internet of Things (IoT) now; the interconnection via the Internet of computing devices embedded



in everyday objects such as lights or cameras, which enables them to send and receive data. But now we have the Internet of Battlefield Things (IoBT), which will perform the same function, but for battlefield technologies. In October 2017, it was revealed that the US Army has outlined plans for the IoBT and is looking to implement connected technologies on the battlefield through collaboration with several US research institutions, led by the University of Illinois, with a six-year, US$25 million Army Research Laboratory project. The Alliance for Internet of Battlefield Things Research on Evolving Intelligent Goal-driven Networks (IoBT REIGN) project will see predictive battlefield analytics guide the Army’s weapons and provide soldiers with ‘extra sensory’ perception of threats. Enhanced situational awareness and data science-driven risk assessments will also be included in the project goals. “The goal of this programme is the development of new intellectual foundations and new knowledge. How do we empower the US Army to have a higher competitive advantage in a world where adversaries are becoming increasingly technologically sophisticated?” Explained Dr Tarek Abdelzaher from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to Silicon Republic. No new hardware will be developed during the project; existing devices will instead be connected into a single military network that will work intelligently. Warfighters will be equipped with smart technology, possibly including armour, radios, cameras, sensors, vehicles, weapons, and other wearables. The advantages are clear. Technology is better able to track and predict enemy movements, which could lead to a reduction in casualty numbers, while more efficient supply operations could result in significant cost savings. There are, of course, risks with such a programme. A systems breakdown or cyberattack could be catastrophic in the field, and it might be possible to effectively shut down connected weapons just when they’re needed most. The cybersecurity aspects, are therefore, of the utmost importance. Australian Defence Force ponders battlefield black box Flight data recorders, or ‘black boxes,’ have been in use in aircraft

for decades now, recording key information in the event of an aviation accident. It’s now been proposed that a similar device could be worn by soldiers in the field to enable faster tracking of warfighters in emergency situations, which could save lives. In September 2017, it was announced that telecommunications company Myriota and wearable technology company IMeasureU had been selected by Australia’s Defence Ministry to develop Fight Recorders for soldiers in the battlefield. Versions of the device could also be developed for the police, firefighters and other emergency workers. The $700,000 contract will produce Fight Recorders which enable satellites to rapidly pinpoint the location of injured soldiers and record information from monitoring the soldier’s body which could be used to reconstruct the events of an enemy engagement. When the emergency beacon is activated by the wearer or an attending medic, the Fight Recorder will connect with low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to transmit geolocation information as well as other collected data. The information from the reconstructed events could be used by the Army to develop new procedures and in the development of protective equipment. “Survival rates for battlefield casualties are closely tied to response times and the Fight Recorder will enable Defence to quickly locate and treat casualties,” said Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne. “In addition to serving as a location beacon, the data captured by the Fight Recorder could be used to inform the design and performance of soldier equipment and protective wear.” The project is being financed by the $730 million Next Generation Technologies Fund which involves Australian companies and universities in developing solutions to the challenges faced by the defence sector. US Air Force field-tests BATDOK The US Air Force has been working with a similar goal to the Australian Defence Ministry. In 2014, the US Air Force initiated its Battlefield Air Targeting Man-Aided Knowledge (BATMAN) project to evaluate the potential applications of wearable technology that was either available or in development. It emerged in August 2017 that the project could soon be brought

BATDOK is a multi-patient, point of injury, casualty tool that assists our human operators and improves care


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into fruition, as the US Air Force had recently completed trials for the Battlefield Assisted Trauma Distributed Observation Kit (BATDOK). A software package that can be installed on a Smart phone, tablet or other wireless wearable device, BATDOK is fed information from sensors placed on a battlefield patient that monitor vital signs of multiple injured soldiers. The system can be used by medics or non-medics, making it a great solution for the fast-paced nature of many battlefields. Alerts can be set to deliver audio or visual signals if the soldier’s condition deteriorates. The data gathered from the sensors can be transmitted off-site and compared with electronic health records, while the sensors also provide geolocation data for rescue. A medical library is also available on-site using the system. “BATDOK is a multi-patient, point of injury, casualty tool that assists our human operators and improves care,” said Dr Gregory Burnett from the 711th Human Performance Wing’s Airman Systems Directorate in the Warfighter Interface Division. “It can be a real-time health status monitoring for multiple patients, a documentation tool, a user-definable medical library, a portal to integrate patient data into their electronic health records, and finally it is interoperable with battlefield digital situation awareness maps, which helps identify the exact location of causalities.” BATDOK has been field-tested with US Air Force flight medics, pararescue jumpers, and Special Forces personnel, with developers on-site to evaluate and tweak the system. “From day one, every interface, every button, every menu was uservalidated by pararescue Airmen and combat rescue officers that were involved in the design, integrations and testing process. Nothing is added without the explicit request and review by the operator,” explained Burnett.

Equivital addresses heat stress Heat stress is a major problem for defence forces the world over. Increased training schedules and the need to carry more and more equipment in the field is having a detrimental effect on soldiers worldwide, causing illness, injuries, and even fatalities. In an attempt to combat this problem, Equivital launched V5 of the Black Ghost system in September 2017. The wearable system delivers valuable information to commanders and medics on warfighters’ temperature, heart rate, breathing rate, position and activity. Alerts and thresholds can be tailored to each user, and commanders can intervene when a threshold is breached. Black Ghost includes a novel Heart Strain Index (HSI), which estimates current heat strain and predicts impending heatrelated injuries, and is also able to predict 15 minutes in the future the heat risk related to an individual if they were to continue in the same environment at the same activity level. “Heat stress can impair a person’s cognitive function, and this is dangerous for those operating in extreme and unpredictable environments,” said Anmol Sood, CEO of Equivital. “The Black Ghost system is designed to provide supporting data to a team leader or medic and reduce the burden on the individual. The Heat Strain Index empowers individuals and teams for better decision making backed up by contextualised data. Black Ghost enables commanders to provide smarter, safer training and ultimately to save lives.” This latest version of Black Ghost, V5, delivers unparalleled accessibility, new functionality and improved usability, having taken on detailed feedback from multiple military partners. The new system will enable commanders to make informed decisions, faster, with relevant data at their fingertips, on a mobile GMC device or PC.

Myriota and wearable technology company IMeasureU had been selected by Australia’s Defence Ministry to develop Fight Recorders for soldiers in the battlefield

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Blue Force Tracking – What’s new? Satellite is a key enabler for government and military groups the world over, delivering unparalleled capabilities both at home and abroad. From keeping military commanders up to date in the field, enabling heads of government to securely conduct international affairs, and to allowing officials to respond to local emergencies, satellite provides vital voice, imaging, video, data and connectivity services the world over. While in previous years, many governments had stalled or cut their space programme budgets, a turnaround in investment is expected soon, prompting satellite service providers to ramp up their offerings. A GPS-enabled system that providers military forces and their commanders with location information of friendly (blue) and hostile (red) forces, Blue Force Tracking (BFT) makes a huge difference to the warfighter in the field. BFT systems usually include a satellite terminal, antenna, GPS receiver, computer, command and control software, and mapping software. Capabilities include reporting battlefield locations and conditions such as mine fields or other obstacles, route planning tools with proximity warnings, and displays that show the location of the host vehicle, blue forces and red forces. Newer BFT systems also allow users to send a receive text and imagery. Blue Force Tracker-1 (BFT-1) and Blue Force Tracker-2 (BFT2) are used by most ground and aviation vehicles in the US Army today. Although they fulfil the same function, each operates over its own dedicated satellite channel. The original BFT-1 was built by Northrop Grumman in the 1990s, and was hailed as a massive benefit to situational awareness in the Iraq War. However, limitations included communications delays of up to five minutes, and the inability of GPS to penetrate into buildings. ViaSat launched the BFT-2 network several years ago to deliver faster position, location and information (PLI) refresh rates, as well as greater data throughput capabilities. Operating

around 10 times faster than BFT-1, the newer system enables almost real-time accuracy, with 99.95 percent network availability, a key factor for the US Army. Ground vehicle and aviation transceivers operate over ground station equipment installed at L-band satellite provider sites and are controlled by satellite NOCs. The ground vehicular transceiver is a single Line Replaceable Unit (LRU), while the aviation transceiver is a twoLRU design that separates the antenna and RF assembly from the modem assembly to offer better aerodynamic performance. Both transceivers have successfully completed MIL-STD-461, 464, and 810 testing. Blue Force Tracking developments In 2016, we heard how the US Army was testing a new channelsharing capability for Blue Force Tracker-1 and Blue Force Tracker-2 to reduce costs. Currently, both BFT systems combine command and control software, satellite transmissions, GPS capabilities and other elements, but operate over different satellite channels. Sharing a single channel is expected to reduce satellite costs by as much as 60 percent, keep infrastructure replenishment expenses in check, and make the BFT system easier to use by eliminating the need to shift between different hardware and software set-ups when working between the two BFT systems. The US Army’s channel-sharing tests, which culminated in an operational test on both ground and aerial vehicles at the Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center (CERDEC) Intelligence and Information Warfare Directorate (I2WD) Flight Activity, evidenced channelsharing as a practical alternative to the current approach. The single-channel plan will be built into the next generation of Blue Force Tracker, currently known as BFT-2.5, while market research for more advanced antennas, processors, modems and transceivers is currently ongoing prior to the system launch, although there’s been no news in quite some time on any further developments.

A 2nd Brigade, 1st Armoured Division Soldier uses the Joint Capabilities Release of Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below/Blue Force Tracking during the Army’s Network Integration Evaluation 12.1. JCR provides a “bridge” to Joint Battle Command-Platform, which will bring features such as detailed touch-to-zoom maps and drag-and-drop icons as well as a new level of situational awareness for dismounted Soldiers. (Photo Credit: Claire Schwerin, PEO C3T)

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The Mounted Family of Computer Systems introduces a standardized family of tactical computers that are scalable and tailorable to the mission. Soldiers will be able to operate the Army’s primary situational awareness capability, Joint Battle Command-Platform, as well as other command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance applications. (Photo Credit: Photo courtesy of DRS Tactical Systems Inc.)

Comtech Telecommunications Corp. has had quite a busy year in terms of BFT contracts with the US Army. In April 2017, Comtech Telecommunications’ Comtech Mobile Datacom Corporation subsidiary was awarded a five-year contract with a not-to-exceed value of US$42.7 million to continue to provide sustainment support for the US Army’s Project Manager Mission Command (PM MC) – BFT-1 programme. Under the new five-year BFT-1 sustainment contract, Comtech will perform engineering services, satellite network operations and programme management through a hybrid Firm Fixed Price (FFP)/Time & Materials (T&M) contract with Cost Reimbursement CLINs. The base performance period began on 15 2017 and ends on 14 April 2018, and the contract provides for four twelve-month option periods exercisable by the US Army. The total estimated value of the base year is US$8.0 million. The US Army placed an initial funded order of US$3.5 million under this contract, and in May 2017 was awarded contract modifications of US$4.2 million, bringing the total base year value to US$7.7 million to date. “We are pleased that Comtech has again been selected to work together with the US Army to sustain this critical worldwide military communications system. The award of this contract further demonstrates the ongoing importance of the US Army’s BFT-1 satellite tracking communication system,” Fred Kornberg, President and Chief Executive Officer of Comtech Telecommunications Corp. Later in September 2017, Comtech Telecommunications’ Comtech Mobile Datacom Corp. subsidiary was awarded a fiveyear FFP, Indefinite-Delivery/Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract for providing BFT-1 Aviation Terminals to the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). Under this contract, the DLA will procure Comtech’s AVX-06-203 Aviation Satellite Communication Transceivers. This contract has a single five-year base period from 20 April 2017 through 19 April 2022 and a maximum value of US$4.2 million. Meanwhile, October 2017 saw Comtech Telecommunications’ Comtech Mobile Datacom Corp. subsidiary awarded a FFP US$6.5 million contract from the Consortium Management Group (CMG) to support the US Army PM MC and the BFT-2 programme. Phase 1 execution, which totals US$1.2 million, is to port additional waveforms onto the current BFT-2 transceiver to allow


it to be used in austere operational environments. The final objective requires the ability to quickly change to different waveforms based on changing operational environments and requirements. Upon phase 2 and 3 execution, the total value for these additional phases is US$5.3 million. The US$6.5 million contract is expected to be completed within seventeen months. The contract vehicle utilized for this award is pursuant to an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) between C5 and the US Army Contracting Command-New Jersey. The OTA enables the US Army to direct a coordinated research and development programme designed to develop prototype command, control, communications and computer technologies directly relevant to weapon systems information technologies. US Army rejects Win-T Increment 2 BFT currently uses commercial satellite connectivity, and we reported last year that the ultimate intention was to bring it into the Warfighter Information Network-Tactical (WIN-T). Whether that remains the case has not been made clear in the wake of the latest news. In a sudden move in September 2017, the US Army informed Congress that it didn’t want to go ahead with the 10-year old Warfighter Information Network – Tactical (WIN-T) (Increment 2), and requested that the money designated for its procurement, some US$544 million, be redistributed. WIN-T is the US Army’s tactical telecommunications system delivering command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities that are mobile, secure, survivable, seamless, and capable of supporting multimedia tactical information systems. Systems development and integration for WIN-T started back in 2002, and was divided into four increments (1, 2, 3 and 4) in 2007 following a restructuring. The US Army mostly relies on WIN-T (Increment 1), even though WIN-T (Increment 2) underwent tests as long ago as 2012. Increments 3 and 4 are absent. Following a one-year review of various tactical networks ordered by US Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley, Lt. Gen. Bruce Crawford, the US Army’s Chief Information Officer, told Congress that WIN-T is too vulnerable to hacking, and takes too long to get set up and running.

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“After almost a year of careful review… we have come to the conclusion that the network we have is not the network that we need to fight and win against a peer threat in a congested or contested environment,” said Lt. Gen. Bruce Crawford. “Our current network does not meet our warfighting needs now, nor do we believe it will meet the future warfighting needs of a highintensity conflict.” Gen. Mark Milley asserted that while WIN-T is adequate for low-tech ‘static’ battlefield situations such as Iraq or Afghanistan, the system will become a liability in case of all-out war with ‘near-peer militaries,’ since it is too susceptible to jamming, and takes 40-50 hours on average to set up. Lt. Gen. Bruce Crawford, meanwhile, explained to Congress that the US Armed Forces are impeded by bloated and lengthy procurement operations to buy new technologies, with the process strung out for years, or even decades. Within such an environment, it is impossible to keep up with adversaries in terms of technological development. The programme has already cost some US$6 billion, which Congress has said will be squandered if WIN-T (Increment 2) is rejected. However, Lt. Gen. Bruce Crawford has stated that the US Army still wants to deploy capabilities and elements of Increment 2, but US$413.8 million of the funding would be best used to fix the network’s most pressing interoperability and security concerns, while the remaining US$131.1 million would be used to adapt and buy unidentified ‘better systems.’ Onto the next big thing US defence forces are already looking to the next big thing in BFT capabilities. The US Army and US Marine Corps are currently partaking in the Joint Battle Command Platform (JBCP) programme, which was designed to provide military leaders greater command, control and situational awareness than ever before. “JBC-P is the Marine Corps primary command, control and situational awareness tool for the battalion and below,” said Capt. Jamie Claflin, JBC-P Project Officer at MCSC. “It allows the commander to see friendly forces in his area of responsibility in real time including other services, and also provides situational awareness data that is reported into the common operating picture.” JBC-P delivers faster satellite communications using BFT2, a high-speed GPS satellite network 10 times faster than the previous system that delivers secure encrypted transmissions and vastly reduces reaction times thanks to the lower latency. BFT-2 uses Inmarsat’s I-4 satellite constellation to gain much more bandwidth with higher data rates (up to 120kb on the forward link and up to 3kb on the return link), drawn from new

transceivers. JBC-P is also integrated with the Tactical Intelligence Ground Reporting (TIGR) system, which provides historical intelligence data, including area structures, obstacles and previous incidents for a given site. “JBC-P also features a multi-function screen with mapping and message management environments,” said Ignacio Filgueira, Lead Engineer for JBC-P at MCSC. “Operators can select different functions including a real-time chat room capability where they can send and receive messages, use icons on a map that show other JBC-P-equipped vehicles, position information, adversaries, threats and shared SA and C2 capability with JTCW.” The joint nature of the JBC-P enables greater cooperation between the US Army and US Marine Corps. With both forces using the same software, the Army’s Network Operation Centre (NOC) can oversee all BFT operations and enable greater cooperation between the two forces, enhancing both operational and cost efficiencies. “Today, through JBC-P, Soldiers and Marines are no longer burdened by operating with two separate command and control/ mission command systems,” said Lt. Col. Shane Sims, the Army’s Product Manager for JBC-P. “By using the same system, the Marine Corps and Army know where each other are in relation to the enemy. JBC-P enables them to communicate on missions together, which is a huge tactical and operational advantage over our adversaries.” JCB-P was initially slated for full roll-out by 2026, but the US Army is ramping up fielding in the face of high demand for the improved systems. In August 2017, it was announced that JCBP and the US Army’s new standardized tactical computer, the Mounted Family of Computing System (MFoCS), will be rolled out to all Reserve and National Guard units by 2024. Initially, the US had planned to save money by fielding legacy hardware, JV-5, to 60 percent of units, and the newer system, MFoCS, to the remaining 40 percent of units. However, the older hardware was eventually ruled out in order to reduce software and hardware baselines, improve cyber protection, and reduce costs by eliminating sustainment of older systems. MFoCS is available in a variety of forms, including a detachable tablet and a vehicle-mounted workstation. The US Army plans to have 98,000 MFoCS systems in the field by 2024. In order to meet the new reduced timeframe, PM MC is increasing the size of its training and fielding teams and ramping up vehicle hardware and software platform procurement. As of August 2017, JBC-P had been field-tested to 17 units with an additional 18 units slated for the 2018 fiscal year. From the 2019 fiscal year, 50-70 units will be fielded annually. GMC

Photo courtesy of US Army

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Encouraging drone industry growth Drone Major Group, a group of companies focused on the fast-growing drone industry, was established in September 2017 to bring together complementary businesses that provide connectivity for the first time ever to the global drone industry. The Drone Major portal was launched at the same time as the world’s first online portal to facilitate the sales of drones and drone-related equipment and services around the globe. Amy Saunders spoke with Robert Garbett, Founder and CEO of Drone Major Group, to find out more about the fledgling entity’s goals and market expectations.

Robert Garbett, Founder and CEO of Drone Major Group

Drone Major connects drone professionals with manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers across the industry. We bring together 80 percent of the drone market, helping drone manufacturers and providers reach out to customers and suppor t new and existing drone professionals and enthusiasts navigate their way through this continually evolving market. Subscribers can benefit from exclusive offers, added-value benefits, and our 24/ 7 team of drone specialists available for support and advice.

GMC: Can you tell us in your words how Drone Major Group came to be founded, and how you think it will help those active in the drone industry? Robert Garbett: The journey began with my involvement as an investor in and Director of SUAS Global, now the largest network dedicated to the global drone industry as we decided to engage with the British Standards Institution to establish a kite mark for British drone operators. At that time, nearly three years ago, a project was starting at ISO to develop the international standards for Unmanned Air Systems (UAS) and BSI asked me, due to my background in aviation and airworthiness, whether I would be the UK lead on the ISO Committee. I duly volunteered and the next 30 months experience developing the international standards with a team of experts from around the world has unveiled the shape and nature of the global drone industry to me. I realised that the industry was fragmented and connectivity between stakeholders, the vector of technology development and a lack of standardisation was an issue which, if not addressed could, in my opinion, stall the industry in time. Manufacturers were innovating in virtual isolation, inventors were tackling the same issues, needlessly wasting time and resources, and users had no way of knowing what technology or services were available and which to employ on a global scale. Drone Major Group was created to remedy this issue and create a single global portal for the industry. I am delighted to say that it’s working well in that enterprise users now have an expert resource to find the right suppliers to deliver exactly what they need to make their businesses more efficient and improve their bottom line and suppliers around the world are now connected in a collaborative environment which is speeding innovation and solving key issues together. All of this will accelerate the growth of the industry faster than ever before. GMC: What are your goals and expectations for Drone Major Group? Robert Garbett: Our goal is to support and encourage the growth of the drone

GMC Q&A

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Photo courtesy of Drone Major Group



industry across all environments (Surface, Underwater, Air & Space) and, as we have seen since our launch in September 2017, we expect to deliver millions of pounds of business to our suppliers, value and expertise to our clients and the acceleration of an industry which is the most exciting ever experienced by man. GMC: Let’s discuss your current membership. Which key drone players are members, and how will you attract other major players? Robert Garbett: As an independent industry facilitator, we do not distinguish between any of our suppliers regardless of size or capability. We offer the most relevant supplier to meet a client’s needs and this could be a multinational business to a small local provider. The key is that the client gets the most appropriate solution for their needs and the right supplier gets the business. During pre-launch, we had to sell the concept which was welcomed by everyone we spoke to. Now Drone Major Group has created over £5 million of opportunities for its suppliers since its launch in September so word is spreading and businesses of all sizes engaging with us to become suppliers and to use our expert facilitation service. GMC: Drones are expected to spawn a US$100 billion industry by 2020. Which applications do you think will be key to this growth? Robert Garbett: Such projections are based on surveys done which predominantly focus on the air industry, and we cater for the entire drone industry which covers surface, underwater, air and space. If you look at the entire picture, the figures are much, much larger and growing faster than anyone expected. If you then forecast the impact of integrating drone technologies across these environments, the figures take on an even more exciting dimension. The key to growth of this industry is multi-faceted:

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We need to educate the public as to the impact that this technology will have on their lives and not sew the kind of fear that preceded the introduction of the automobile which led to people having to walk in front of a car waving a red flag! We need governments to get behind this technology to ensure that it is not choked by over regulation, thankfully something the UK Government are keen not to do.


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We need investors to get behind some of the developments which will enable the industry to break through the barriers it faces such as operations beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), the integration of airspace and the adoption of multi environment systems (from air to land to sea and beyond).

GMC: Let’s talk about government and military applications. What trends are you seeing in the use of drones, and how do you expect them to develop? Robert Garbett: The most interesting trend in government and military applications is the increasing use of commercially developed systems. This technology, like the industry which uses it, is evolving extremely quickly which is a challenge for military and government procurement cycles. It is almost impossible for a military or governmental procurement organisation to develop a drone system before it is obsolete, so many are talking to Drone Major to partner with commercial organisations who have systems which can deliver what they need. GMC: Cybersecurity and hacking is a significant challenge, particularly among government and military users. How big a threat is hacking to drone security, and how can those users protect against it? Robert Garbett: The issue of security of military drones is predominantly one borne out of the use of recreational drones in military operations. Such systems were never designed with security in mind and so are not appropriate for such an application. Like many issues facing the drone industry, this is one which has been addressed by the new ISO standards which are due for draft release in 2018. Once released, this will form the basis of a minimum standard for manufacturers to which military procurement agencies and governments can refer to or insist upon.



GMC: What do you expect Drone Major Group to achieve in 2018, and how will you go about meeting those goals? Robert Garbett: Our goals for 2018 remain the goals of our business; To support and encourage the growth of the drone industry across all environments (Surface, Underwater, Air & Space). We intend to achieve this by continuing to provide the highest level of service, business for our suppliers and world class GMC solutions for our clients.

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Highest level of assured communications EM Solutions was established in 1998 to deliver communications solutions for the defence, maritime, broadcast and telecommunications sectors around the world. The company has historically manufactured a wide variety of microwave subsystem products, including block up converters (BUCs) with microwave solid state power amplifiers (SSPAs), filters, Kaband and X-band LNBs, frequency synthesisers and linearisers. More recently, it has developed high value systems incorporating these products, in particular its multi-satellite communications on the move (COTM) terminals. Amy Saunders spoke with Rowan Gilmore, Managing Director of EM Solutions, about the changing market and key technologies.

Rowan Gilmore, Managing Director of EM Solutions

EM Solutions is recognised by customers globally for designing and manufacturing differentiated microwave and RF products and systems for satellite and broadband communications. Renowned for technologically-superior design, manufacture, and support of microwave technology, EM Solutions are leaders in supplying next generation high speed communications products that assist in the delivery of real-time voice, data and multimedia anywhere in the world. Committed to innovation and delivering quality solutions, EM Solutions consists of an agile team of people able to provide superior communication technology quickly and accurately with full design, manufacture, testing and support services available in-house and governed by strict ISO9001 quality practices. Emerging from its predecessor company MITEC in 1998, EM Solutions produces integrated RF modules such as low noise receivers and solid state high power transmitters for defence and commercial customers, as well as the complex systems in which they are used. These sophisticated systems are used primarily in microwave terrestrial and satellite links, or in other applications such as radar, radio-astronomy, and remote sensing.

GMC Q&A

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GMC: Can you provide a brief introduction of your company and its solutions? Rowan Gilmore: EM Solutions is one of a few businesses around the world that can design and manufacture fully customised and defence-quality radio products in small volumes. Because we have moved up the RF communications value chain over the past twenty years, we are quite vertically integrated and can develop and deliver advanced systems that incorporate many of our own modules and sub-systems. In addition, we are also able to manufacture electronic systems for third parties on a build-to-print basis. But generally we differentiate most at the top end of the value chain, where we integrate our own terminals and subsystems with a rack of OEM modems and networking gear to provide a complete communications solution. We are still a small business, so highly agile and custom in what we can provide, but have operated successfully for so long and for so many customers that commercial risk is no longer an issue. GMC: Satcom-on-the-move solutions have played a key role in operations around the world in recent years. What can you tell us about your COTM solutions, and what benefits do they deliver compared to competitor offerings? Rowan Gilmore: Our COTM offerings are intended to provide the highest level of assured satellite communications possible. We do this by designing each of our terminals to work over multiple satellites, in multiple bands, and in some cases with redundant BUCs to remove as many potential points of failure as possible. In addition, we support the highest availability communications for any terminal on the move, particularly under severe motion. We build the only OTM small terminal that offers closed-loop tracking based on monopulse detection of the satellite signal, which tests have proven provides the most accurate, best in class tracking. We have been told by several customers that our three axis tracking system performs better than any competitor, particularly when the satellite is directly overhead. Other features such as the linearity of our BUCs, their endurance, and the temperature range that our ambient air heat exchanger provides sweeten the value proposition. And they are ITAR free. GMC: What trends are you observing in the COTM field for government and military applications, and how is EM Solutions addressing these trends? Rowan Gilmore: Assured communications remains important for defence forces, and we support this through features integral to our terminal. Of course, the trend to higher bit rates continues unabated. A good OTM terminal can support this by providing accurate pointing (high availability), constantly high gain, and better linearity so the BUC can operate at higher average transmit powers. We have comparison data from one network operator who tells us that our terminals are the most data efficient on their network, because our BUCs are far more linear than competitors and can operate with less back-off to provide higher data rates. Superior features such as pointing accuracy and linearity add up to higher data rates in equivalent bandwidths, which over time significantly lowers the operating cost. Another trend we are hearing more about are higher frequency satellites. Our own work at E -band (where we have built terrestrial networks with our own modem and radio designs) will be invaluable in the future, since we believe the way we




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have implemented the digital coding for long paths with low signal-to-noise ratios will be perfect for satcom and UAV applications. GMC: As of March 2017, the Australian Border Force is using Inmarsat’s Global Xpress satellite service over EM Solutions’ Cobra-class satellite communications terminals. What can you tell us about the solution, and how is it improving the Australian Border Force’s day to day capabilities? Rowan Gilmore: The first series of Cobra terminals was deployed on the ABF’s fleet of Cape Class offshore patrol vessels. It was implemented as a dual Ka-band solution to switch from military Ka-band to the commercial Ka-band on demand. This has proven a very versatile solution, since the Inmarsat GX network is instantly available and reconfigurable for unexpected missions or deviations in route. The crew love this solution and use it for both mission purposes and welfare. It has given them communications capabilities they have never enjoyed in the past. GMC: Border protection is a key part of every nation’s security, and it can be complex to get every aspect adequately-covered. What’s your take on the key challenges, and how can countries improve their existing infrastructure? Rowan Gilmore: The key challenge is one of budget where border forces are being asked to do more. Just as with their use of commercial networks for cellular phones, it makes perfect sense for border forces to adopt COTS dual-use solutions, using existing infrastructure where possible to save capital costs. If

45cm land mobile Taipan

there is a sunk investment in sovereign defence satellites, these should be used where possible to save operational costs, but fall-back to a commercial solution makes good sense when the defence network is pre-empted or unavailable, since capability can continue undiminished over the commercial service. GMC: EM Solutions’ Cobra X/Ka tri-band Maritime Terminals are proving popular with the Royal Australian Navy, which has installed two on Cape Class Vessels and ordered more via Raytheon Australia as part of the SEA1654 programme. Can you outline the technology behind these tri-band solutions, and explain the benefits they deliver to the Royal Australian Navy? Rowan Gilmore: The antenna feed technology for simultaneous X-band and military Ka-band communications, with fall back to commercial Ka band, and by the way must also incorporate sensors for monopulse pointing to different satellites, is very complex indeed. Although the parabolic reflector itself is broadband, the feed has to be assembled in segments to couple off the correct signals at the correct frequencies. It includes its own combining networks to deliver the data signals at Ka-band through one section and X-band in another. The system uses a separate BUC and LNB for Ka-band (both military and commercial bands), and a second pair for X-band. This complexity has its benefits however, chief being the terminal’s versatility in increased data throughput (with simultaneous operation in two bands), its increased availability (because of the more accurate monopulse pointing, fall back to the GX network if the military network is congested, and reliance on X-band in poor weather), and its increased reliability (since it uses multiple BUCs and separate satellite systems).

Tri-band X & Ka Cobra

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GMC: In October 2017, you gained a new board member: Major General Jeff Sengelman DSC, AM, CSC. What experience is he bringing to EM Solutions, and how will he



help develop and deliver continuously improving capabilities to your customers? Rowan Gilmore: Jeff’s presence on our Board will help strengthen EM Solutions in many ways. In the Australian Army, Jeff was at one point responsible for Land Forces Modernisation so is well versed in what a ‘digital’ armed force requires, including for communications, so he can talk knowledgeably and authoritatively about technology and requirements in the same terms as many of our customers. He is well-known among allied defence forces around the world for his work in counter terrorism, so he can help EM Solutions with introductions and his understanding of global operating scenarios and needs. And of course, he is highly respected among serving members of the Australian Defence Force, so he knows our customers well. GMC: What do you expect EM Solutions to achieve in 2018? Rowan Gilmore: EM Solutions have doubled in size over the past four years and we expect that trajectory to continue. That growth enables us to continue to invest in new product development and in providing post-sales support to our customers. In 2018, we will be introducing our new amphibious 65cm terminal suitable for quick setup and removal on either a boat or four-wheel drive for tracking over either land or sea while on the move. In the course of the year, we also hope to demonstrate a working prototype of our revolutionary new flat panel antenna that will retain all the advantages of our current terminals – broad operating frequency to enable communications on dual-use satellites, and monopulse tracking for accurate pointing while on the move. GMC


65cm Ku-band Salamander

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Guaymas Port Mexico. Photo courtesy of InfiNet Wireless

Eliminating the danger spot: The special needs of seaports When we think of homeland security, we often focus on the land aspects, and completely overlook the maritime concerns. However, with any countries around the world boasting purely sea borders, it’s vital that security be effective and far-reaching. Here, Kamal Mokrani, Global VP at InfiNet Wireless, discusses the special needs of seaports security in securing the homeland. As a major entry point into countries across the world, seaports are one of the most preferred methods for transporting goods and cargo for international trade. Clothes, technology, cars and food are often brought in by the thousands through these access points, with the UK’s major ports alone handling 115.9 million tonnes of freight in the first quarter of 2017 alone, as reported by the Department of Transport. As the main transport method for international trade, ports are a key component for a healthy economy and a critical contributor to the wellbeing of a nation. That said, seaport security has become an extensive talking point since any attack or breach could potentially have a direct impact on a nation’s entire economy and welfare. With stowaways and looting situations commonly reported in these facilities – and just like airlines and airports are under increased pressure to boost security on a daily basis – seaports have become an incredibly tempting entry point for fugitives to make their way in or out of the country. As well as the obvious security concerns such as cargo theft, attacks and stowaways, growing terrorism fears and high levels of piracy concerns have also made it vital for port operators across the globe to have a reliable and robust security system in place 24/7, monitoring the entirety of their ports and their immediate vicinities. Any lapses in their security could have a domino effect and if a single connection to a video camera cuts out, whether deployed in a Line-of-Sight (LOS) or, arguably more

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crucial, a Non-Line-Of-Sight (NLOS) locations, the consequences could be dire. The ability to identify issues and vulnerabilities before they actually turn into crises is imperative, and if a threat does indeed arise, security staff must rely heavily on the feeds from their remote sites to prevent or tackle any type of crime, as well as be able to respond and act whenever required in the shortest time possible. Robust CCTV, fence monitoring and motion detection systems should always be operational in a seaport facility in order for the management and authorities to dynamically learn when a problem has occurred or is about to. This real-time information enables them to quickly establish a fast and appropriate response to either prevent the disruption, or minimise the damage that has already been done.

Thriving by wireless Some of the greatest communications challenges seaports face in their security platforms are linked with connecting their remote locations to the control rooms, as well as overcoming the obstructions along the way to provide real-time information. Major ports across the world vary in size and complexity, some of them spanning areas of thousands of acres, such as the Port of Rotterdam. Networks deployed in such seaports are often required to withstand harsh and demanding environments, as well as monitoring fixed assets and moving vehicles across the entire facility. Many seaports across the world have installed cabled networks which have been in place for many years, having reached saturation or just in a tired state. Adding additional wired infrastructure can be not only costly and ineffective, but also very difficult to deploy especially in isolated and difficult to reach areas. Such cables are also vulnerable to damage by extreme weather conditions or rodent’s activity. Although these existing networks have most probably provided good-enough connectivity in the past, operational requirements are always evolving, and seaports need flexibility just like in any other outdoor operation. While wired infrastructure cannot provide such flexibility, a wireless platform is ideal for improving



connectivity and delivering the quality service that is now so mission critical for the security of seaports and that of their workers. Across all continents, wireless broadband networks are becoming a catalyst for generating and growing revenues, whilst at the same time enhancing security and providing high-speed transmission of data, voice and video feeds. Momentum is shifting to wireless for good reason, as triple-play services can be transferred from remote locations and devices in real-time to a central monitoring and control room, as well as to a fleet of first-responders out in the field. Furthermore, wireless networks can be deployed very quickly, often in a matter of hours as opposed to weeks or months for wired networks, and they can deliver superior performance over long distances and in challenging environments, even in the frequent NLOS conditions we so often find in seaports, all whilst being cost effective and requiring very low maintenance after installation. Moving targets In order to ultimately improve seaport security around the world and deliver real-time data to seaports and vessels alike, organisations and executives are hard at work developing advanced wireless technologies that will improve the speed of data transfer while simultaneously ensuring its reliability in all operating conditions. Moving vessels or vehicles that often change their direction of travel and speed need high-quality and always-on connectivity to meet their data, voice and video requirements. Thanks to such reliable wireless links, fast download and upload speeds can be guaranteed and can be delivered for everyone on the network, whether located in the seaport itself or in its immediate surrounding areas.

InfiNet Wireless, a global leader in fixed broadband wireless connectivity, successfully delivered fast and reliable broadband networks in various seaports across the world. In the South of France, for example, the company deployed an advanced access network to provide seamless connectivity to visiting boats and yachts with all the services they usually enjoy by on-shore customers, such as local TV channels, internet access and voice communication. Similarly, in the Distrik Navigasi Kelasi I Port in Surabaya, Indonesia, known to be the second busiest shipping port and city in this country with probably the largest number of islands in the world, an InfiNet solution was deployed to ensure that the main commodities traded, such as tobacco, sugar and coffee, were all exported to parts of the world safely and on time. Long-term benefit From the largest ports in Singapore to small docks in Scandinavia, it is easy to misjudge how crucial communication networks are in these seaport areas. According to the Transported Asset Protection Association’s (TAPA) Incident Information Service (IIS) database, there has been more than a 92 percent increase of recorded cargo crimes in the EMEA region alone year on year. While a brand-new security system requires very careful planning, the required expenditure is a critical investment when assessing the ensuing savings that robust security provides. The cost to a seaport of losing critical cargo because of an insufficient security infrastructure cannot be underestimated and must always be taken into consideration. Seaport operators need to focus on the long-term benefits of their security system, which leads to an increase in cargo operations and ultimately to increased revenues for the seaport itself and wealth to the local economy. GMC

Indonesian shipping port. Photo courtesy of InfiNet Wireless


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Per Vices’ Crimson SDR is an example of the latest COTS SDR units that are being optimized for mission-critical operations, including to strengthen radar and spectrum monitoring capacity. Their modular design gives them added power, flexibility and value over traditional SDRs.

A global communications crisis Offering next generation communications capabilities, Software Defined Radio (SDR) has delivered an increasingly sophisticated solution for the defence, governmental and commercial sectors. Where today, communications methods have become fragmented, SDR offers a complete solution, as outlined by Brandon Malatest, one of the founders and COO of Per Vices Corporation. As the technology powering wireless devices becomes increasingly sophisticated across both the defence and commercial sectors, communications across those devices is more fragmented than ever. The hardware in most wireless devices and communications systems limits them to only send and receive on specific bands of the wireless spectrum. This creates restrictions for the devices to only communicate with similar devices (Figure 1). For example, the frequency that a satellite sends and receives on is different from that of a VHF radio, or a cellular phone. Today, WiFi, 3G, and 4G networks are commonly used to bridge communication across devices (so that we can use dedicated applications to call a cell phone from a laptop), but these bands are increasingly over-crowded, and nowhere near robust enough to meet the growing demands of new users and devices, let alone missioncritical activities. What this means for military communications is that there is a constant risk of inefficient, and unreliable communications across teams and missions. Software defined radio (SDR) meets the challenges of this communications crisis by offering a unified communications platform capable of seamlessly communicating across the wireless spectrum.

Software Defined Radio: A unified communications platform Software Defined Radio (SDR), is a wireless communication technology capable of sending and receiving across a broad range of bands in the wireless spectrum. This is made possible by using flexible wireless hardware to tune to a specific frequency but pushing the encoding/decoding and use to software (Figure 2). This enables a truly application agnostic hardware platform, capable of tuning to any frequency, to be paired with various software applications to communicate with any wireless device and bridge communications between disparate devices. The software that powers SDR is flexible, extendable, and most critically, able to be adapted over the life of the hardware, making it resilient to evolutions in technology over time and also capable of incorporating new functionality enabling it to do far more than initial requirements. Commercial solutions leading growth and lowering prices More than ever before, commercial innovations in technology are leading military solutions. This is particularly evident in some field devices that now compete pound-for-pound (or gram for gram) with commercial cell phones for processing power, battery life, size and weight. It is not uncommon for some commercial

Figure 1: The Wireless Frequency Band. Sample of wireless devices communicating at different points of the wireless frequency band

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Figure 2: Comparison between the traditional approach for wireless devices, where all functionality is done in hardware, compared to SDR where only the tuning is done in hardware and the decode and use is done in software giving a much more flexible system.

off the shelf devices to be directly integrated into military solutions. This crossover brings both challenges and opportunities for military development, and creates a new standard of performance for military communications devices and systems. Today’s military communications systems must be capable of both outperforming and intercepting civilian devices, while seamlessly communicating across a diverse range of devices and systems. The automotive industry is a strong example of a sector where companies have leveraged a presence in both the commercial and defence markets, combining the low cost and fast technological development of commercial production with the specialized purpose required by military users. We can predict a similar trend to follow in the military radio sector, where increased commercial competition for high-tech communication devices has brought prices down and has substantially reduced development time. The cost of a fully programmed commercial SDR unit has dropped dramatically, and companies are leveraging the most recent advancement in semiconductor technology to offer the most performant solutions on the market as commercial off the shelf solutions that are able to meet and exceed the superior performance and specialized capabilities demanded by the defence market. Flexibility and performance The constant acceleration of technology means that highperformance military radio systems must be capable of constant upgrades to keep up with the most recent advances in both software and hardware. The downside of the commercial/ defence technology crossover is that most commercial products are designed for a short shelf-life, to support only one generation of technology. Conversely, SDR platforms are powered by a

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combination of hardware and software, where the software can be upgraded to add new applications and capabilities without substantial change to the hardware platform and at a marginal cost. Modular designs in some SDRs (see Figure 2) mean that key components can be changed without requiring entirely new replacement devices, again prolonging shelf-life. Military applications The current state of the art in SDR technology not only eliminates the challenge of multiple devices to engage in military communication, it also provides a powerful monitoring tool. Even a single portable SDR unit, when well-programmed, can be used to monitor communications across various frequencies, including VHF, UHF, and HF. Moreover, multiple protocols including CDMA, GSM, Bluetooth, WiFi, and LTE can be used simultaneously in conjunction with this monitoring ability. Due to the flexibility of SDR, many communications applications are enabled by the high bandwidth, multiple inputs and multiple outputs (MIMO), and the customizable software. Combining these powerful features allows communications for the defence market to reach new levels of performance and new use cases that were not previously supported. When building an SDR, it is necessary to select the right hardware for the necessary applications, and some companies have created transparent design tools to allow engineers to plan and price their units based on their specific needs. For example, Per Vices Corporation has released a tool that allows users to select the specifications that they require and receive real-time cost estimates. These types of transparency are crucial for industry to provide as it allows the end users of SDR to better understand the costs and complexities associated with supporting different applications. GMC




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