RCC Tactical Cellular/Satellite Communications System Debuts at DSEI 2007
Leading-edge cellular/satcoms system provides path to first covert and tactical battlefield cellular telecommunications networks London, 11 September 2007 – Leading developer of advanced cellular communications solutions for aeronautical and remote applications, Altobridge, (DSEI 2007, Stand 2246), is showcasing its ruggedised Remote Contiguous Communications (RCC) tactical cellular system, which uses frequencies typical of civilian mobile phone networks and represents the first application of true cellular communications to the military environment. Suited to uses with Regular Army and Special Operations units as an addition to any tactical communications portfolio, the RCC enables standard cellular communications anywhere, under any circumstances, including extreme covert scenarios. The system will provide a secure, closed-user-group cellular service in the most challenging environments by establishing its own cellular network wherever it is deployed, totally independent of any local infrastructure. The RCC combines the patented Altobridge AM Gateway Platform™, a standard pico-cellular base station and a satellite transmission unit, such as Inmarsat GAN/BGAN or VSAT, all in a single-person carry case. The system can be man portable, or a rack mounted, vehicle-borne system, (e.g. Bradley Fighting Vehicle or HMMWV), as part of a mobile communications command and control centre. The ruggedised system incorporates a Panasonic Toughbook and an Inmarsat BGAN antenna, both of which are already used extensively in military applications. The RCC fills a number of the applications for which current standard tactical radios and handheld satellite terminals are used, but the technological differences and advantages of the RCC in several scenarios make it an ideal new arrival in a variety of today's theatres of operations. In addition to special operations, tactical and covert uses, the system is ideal for humanitarian missions following natural disasters, where civil communications services are lost, congested or the disaster takes place outside the normal coverage area. Emergency workers and military personnel deployed to a disaster area can communicate from, and be contacted on, their existing mobile handsets using the RCC. First responders are able to carry the units with them and simply turn on their existing cellular handsets, ensuring maximum communications impact the moment it is needed. From initial power-up, satellite acquisition to a fully operational first cellular call transmission takes about five minutes. The RCC's operational characteristics can be selected among the standard GSM frequencies of 900Mhz, 1800Mhz and 1900Mhz. The RCC supports cellular A5/1 and A5/2 encryption and standard cellular features such as person-to-person telephony, together with data services such as short message services and packet data (GPRS). It will also support special military encryption GSM handsets. Vice President of Altobridge, Monte Egeland, said, 'When troops need to blend in at a local level during covert operations, being able to use a normal cellphone is a major differentiator over other tactical Radio communications systems. The idea of standard cellphone usage has proven extremely attractive to various Special Operations and Counter Insurgency communities with whom we are currently in discussions.' |
