Persistent Systems LLC announced that it has completed work on its $5.4 million contract with the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command C5ISR Center to develop protected communications for Manned-Unmanned Teams (MUM-T).
As part of the 18-month-long contract, Persistent worked with the C5ISR Center's Space and Terrestrial Communications Directorate to harden the company's mobile ad hoc networking (MANET) firmware, used in all its hardware devices, to counter jamming and hacking threats to MUM-T operations.
"MUM-T envisions warfighters controlling and operating alongside unmanned systems," said Brian Soles, Vice President of Government and Military Relations and Business Strategy for Persistent. "The Army's Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle, for example, is meant to be networked with Robotic Combat Vehicles." All of this requires a robust, secure, and high-throughput communications network.
"Our MANET solution is designed to keep pace with EW and cyber threats from near-peer powers," said Rahul Pandya, Programs Manager for Persistent. "In fact, it was the very first solution validated by the Army's electronic warfare lab."
The protections developed by Persistent are "always on," so no product configuration is required, Pandya added. The capability is a firmware upgrade, compatible with all of Persistent's Wave Relay MANET devices, and customers will get it for free as a part of their regular firmware updates. In addition to the hardened firmware, Persistent's work with the C5ISR Center has led to the creation of the GVR5, a new dual-band MANET radio for combat vehicles.
Developed in conjunction with General Dynamics Mission Systems, the GVR5 operates on two frequency bands, simultaneously enabling continuous connectivity in RF-contested environments. The system delivers automated PACE (Primary, Alternate, Contingency, and Emergency) communications, enabling it to automatically select the best performing frequency band to ensure robust communication.
"The GVR5 is a mature and robust solution," Soles said. "We've already seen a lot of interest in the product from various services as well as international allies." The Persistent team also appreciated the support, collaboration, expertise, and teamwork from the US Army C5ISR Center.
Click here to learn more about MANET technology.
