SPX CommTech will be exhibiting the latest transportable tactical COMINT 953 RF Receiver and Evenlode Data Link Encoder / Decoder at DSEI 2023.
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Press Release, Wappenham, 22 August 2023: SPX CommTech, formed by TCI and ECS, today launches its next generation 953 Communications Intelligence (COMINT) Radio Frequency (RF) Receiver for superior identification, direction-finding, and tracking of hostile RF signals to support COMINT and Counter-UAS tactical operations. It will be exhibited for the first time at DSEI, Excel London between 12-15 September 2023.
The new 953 COMINT RF Receiver builds on the success of its predecessor and now boasts reduced size and weight, but with greater power. This makes the device portable for dismounted operations and easily mounted on a vehicle to support mobility operations. For example, it can be carried to an elevated position in a dismounted role, such as a tactical position only accessible on foot or on top of a high-rise building, to ensure the antenna is situated at height for optimum signal detection and increased range.
The 953 COMINT RF Receiver performs continuous, unmanned, remote, and real-time signal collection up to 80MHz bandwidth across a frequency of up to 40GHz for signal monitoring, collection, and direction-finding. This bandwidth delivers a sweet spot between monitoring sufficient signal breadth and amplitude to ensure quality and accuracy in identifying threats.
The 953 COMINT RF Receiver is powered with removable hot-swappable batteries for round-the-clock use. The new compact chassis is IP-67 rated to withstand temperatures up to 50°C to deliver full operational capability in extreme hostile climatic environments. It also boasts increased removable storage of up to 2 TB for enhanced data capture.
“All around the world, heightened political, military and societal tension, and the growing use of electronic warfare, demonstrates the unparalleled importance of managing and understanding the RF spectrum today. Threat analysis and response are critical to global security, so we are excited to welcome the next generation product of our successful RF range, currently used across 20 countries,” says Graeme Forsyth, Counter-UAS Product Manager at SPX CommTech.
The 953 COMINT RF Receiver is powered by SPX CommTech’s well-renowned Blackbird software application, which detects, identifies, direction-finds and tracks signals of interest to support, find, fix and strike operations, and mitigate electronic warfare threats. It also tracks the RF emission of UAVs and their controllers or Data Links to support counter-responses. Blackbird can record the signal environment for look-back analysis without interrupting the current mission. It simplifies the collection task and can trigger automated actions and support unattended operations.
Utilising part of the 953 COMINT RF Receiver, Blackbird also uses geolocation to enable defence teams to visualise the location of the frequencies for improved intelligence-gathering and threat management. Blackbird’s intuitive point-and-click user experience suits all skill levels and is an evolution of the proven intuitive interface in previous models. This ensures minimal training requirements for existing customers while enabling new users to master the system quickly.
The new 953 COMINT RF Receiver is backwards compatible with previous COMINT versions and other technologies from SPX CommTech, for cost avoidance, uninterrupted service and seamless scalability for our users. It can also be integrated with open-source or customer-supplied mapping and other integrations.
The 953 COMINT RF Receiver is available today, and current COMINT models in service with customers will continue to be supported by SPX CommTech.
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Press Release, Wappenham, 22 August 2023: Radio Frequency (RF) solutions manufacturer SPX CommTech today launches its next generation Evenlode Video and Audio Encoder / Decoder, developed by Enterprise Control Systems (ECS). The lightweight, low-power unit can be installed on manned and unmanned air platforms, providing real-time intelligence-gathering, incident response, and civilian safety. It will be shown first at DSEI, Excel London between 12-15 September 2023.
Evenlode Video and Audio Encoder / Decoder supplies high-efficiency video coding (HEVC) H.265 low-latency encoding to deliver superior multi-video compression for efficient video recording and real-time, secure distribution. Latency below 120 milliseconds end-to-end means images are transferred and received in real-time, enabling greater situational awareness, and more accurate, faster response.
It significantly reduces the required bandwidth to transfer the same – or better – quality video and audio data than existing models in the market. Considering the limited RF bandwidths available to defence, security and policing organisations, access to freed-up IP allows greater flexibility for sharing critical data through encrypted file shares. It also allows greater use of applications such as electro-optical/infrared sensors, and tracking and location data being shown on a moving map – all improving incident response.
The decoder mirrors the encoding capabilities, allowing the real-time re-streaming – or transcoding – to multiple destination points such as a command centre or at the tactical edge using mobile devices. This adds flexibility to users’ video distribution aims in one single solution.
The upgraded video and audio Data Link solution, which is the latest in the ECS Evenlode series, delivers highly sought-after 4K Ultra High Definition video image quality. This delivers a maximum system resolution of 1080p60 and enhances the image after compression, making it easier to identify details and potential threats.
The device is certified to RTCA DO160G standard, which assures the performance characteristics of the equipment required for kit fitted to airborne manned, fixed and rotary-wing aircraft.
It’s backwards compatible with ECS’ operationally-proven legacy equipment, meaning users can keep up to date with the latest decoding technology without upgrading their entire systems.
Tactical Data Links provide the ability for aircraft to become network-enabled across land, sea and air and, therefore, able to carry out Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions across all of them. Data is transmitted using sophisticated, in-house designed encryption software. The new Encoder / Decoder has six separate video inputs – four HD and two SD – capable of encoding four videos simultaneously. This allows users to select the latest mission-critical information required without disrupting the operation and simultaneously process multiple video inputs for improved situational awareness.
“The ability to record, receive, and stream real-time high-quality video and data is critical for all defence, security, and policing organisations charged with securing their nation’s population and Critical National Infrastructure (CNI). At SPX CommTech we’re committed to providing solutions that allow faster, more detailed communication across longer distances”, says Jackson White, Business Development Director of Tactical Data Links and VP Marketing, SPX CommTech. “The launch of the new Evenlode Video and Audio Encoder / Decoder is part of our continued strategic development of technologies that ensure a smarter, more secure future for all by delivering fast and accurate ISR data so timely and effective decisions can be made on the tactical edge.”
SPX CommTech continues to innovate Data Link solutions to provide critical support to defence, security, and policing organisations worldwide.
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