Industry Innovators
CGF 2011 Volume: 3 Issue: 6 (December)
In October the Coast Guard and industry convened in Tampa for the 11th Annual Coast Guard Innovation Expo. The theme of the Expo, “Innovation-Steering the Course for Enduring Excellence,” was demonstrated on the floor of the convention center, during the expert panels, and in the sky and on the water during Coast Guard demonstrations. With exhibitors showcasing advances in navigation, detection and communication, just to name a few, the convention center was alive with possibilities for enhancing and improving Coast Guard operations. While we couldn’t possibly highlight all of the programs and advancements demonstrated, the companies below offer a sampling of the innovations on display at the Expo and are indicative of the work industry is performing to help the Coast Guard steer a course for enduring excellence.
Motorola
The Motorola MC75A Worldwide Enterprise Digital Assistant re-defines the standard for mobile computers with biometric capture, a 3.5G world cell phone, integrated GPS, 1D and 2D bar code scanning, a high resolution auto focus color camera, bright full VGA touch screen, accelerometer, WiFi, and Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity—all in a single device.
The advanced biometric attachment with optional contact and contactless smart card readers is well-suited for identity management applications. A FIPS 201 certified fingerprint sensor supplies the highest quality images within a variety of lighting conditions. Additionally, the MC75A’s optional auto focus color camera transforms this solution into a multimodal mobile computer delivering fingerprint and facial image capture. With the available ISO compliant contact and contactless smart card readers, this attachment is positioned for security applications such as CAC, TWIC, PIV, FRAC, ePassports, eVisas and other biometric-enabled secure credentials. The 3.5G based MC75A allows law enforcement, first responders, government and other enterprise security agencies to standardize on one device for global deployments, reducing the complexity, support requirements and the cost of mobility solutions.
Trijicon Inc.
Trijicon Inc. has expanded their product line to offer the military and law enforcement communities a line of optics designed specifically for machine guns. Trijicon’s MachineGun Optic (MGO) line is built on the combat proven ACOG design and incorporates a Bullet Drop Compensating (BDC) Reticle specifically calibrated for machine guns, a GDI auto-locking lever mount, and a built-in option for mounting an additional reflex sight for mounted applications. Trijicon’s MGOs are full mission profile sighting systems designed for use on M249, M240, or M2 machine guns. Trijicon’s MGOs can be used to engage targets from the muzzle to 1,000 meters (M249 variant), 1,200 meters (M240 variant), or 2,000 meters (M2 variant) because of the MGO’s illuminated BDC reticles. The reticles in the MGOs are dual-illuminated through the use of Tritium and fiber-optics. This battery-free method of illuminating the reticles makes Trijicon’s MGOs ideal for maritime use—or any other environmental conditions that typically wreak havoc on battery operated systems. The illuminated reticles utilized in Trijicon’s MGOs allow the operator to keep both eyes open while engaging targets while the BDC gives a precise point of aim out past 1,000 meters. This more precise point of aim won’t turn your machine gun into a sniper rifle, but it will significantly increase your chances of a first-burst hit.
TrueStone
Truestone designs and builds differential GPS “Jump Kits” for Coast Guard Aids to Navigation (ATON) work boats. When used with electronic charting software loaded onto a laptop, the kits are transported and used to mark existing buoys or place new buoys that the larger buoy tenders are unable to access. Nearly 100 kits have been deployed throughout the United States and its territories to support the Coast Guard’s mission to maintain maritime safety in waterways. Key features of the GPS include ruggedized metalwork (brackets, clamps, and mounts) which secures all of the components within the case; AC or DC power that allows the system to run for about 10 hours on the internally mounted battery; recessed external I/O panel containing connectors for power; and antenna and data on the outside of the case allows for the case to be fully watertight while in operation. The kits offer a portable, rugged, cost effective solution and serve as a backup that can be used onboard the buoy tender if the primary differential GPS is not working.
Telephonics Corporation
Telephonics Corporation has a long history of manufacturing state-of-the-art radar systems, advanced electronics, wired/wireless communication systems and software engineering for aerospace, defense and commercial markets worldwide. Our products have been integrated into land based, air and surface assets for a broad spectrum of mission sets including search and rescue, drug interdiction and border/port security.
We understand the complex and critical nature of maritime surveillance missions. Telephonics offers a complete line of light weight, low power, multi-mode radar products. Using advanced techniques such as synthetic aperture, pulse compression, frequency agility, and high-speed signal processing, our surveillance classification radar provides extremely high-resolution and precise imaging for high-probability of small target detection.
We are a world leader in the design and manufacture of secure wired and wireless intercommunication systems found aboard fixed wing, rotary wing, lighter-than-air aircraft, ground control shelters, and surface vessels. Our TruLink wireless communication system is also NSA Type 1 certified.
Telephonics is dedicated to offering the highest quality customer service in the industry. Our Technical Support Services Center located in Elizabeth City, N.C., offers a full range of services including complete turnkey, fully integrated aircraft avionics modifications, radar repair and field support.
Lowrance
Navico—the parent company to the Lowrance, Simrad Yachting and B&G brands—announced its next-generation, solid-state Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radome, the Lowrance, Simrad and B&G broadband 4G radar models. 4G radar delivers 50 percent greater range and target detection than broadband 3G radar. All 4G radar models feature beam sharpening technology that provides the sharpest-possible radar images. For optimal target separation, broadband 4G radar uses beam sharpening, which improves azimuth resolution. The result is a resolution that is equivalent to a 3.5-foot open array radar. When combined with a Simrad NSE, NSO or B&G Zeus multifunction display, the system’s user-defined, targetseparation control allows users to adjust the level of separation to meet specific navigational needs. All broadband 4G radars provide an unequalled number of working ranges, 18, for premier performance and navigational awareness. Providing intuitive and easy-to-use operation, each model also features pre-defined offshore and harbor modes on all ranges without requiring special tuning knowledge. The system marks objects within two meters of the boat, providing target definition and separation in close quarters where traditional pulse radar is blind. Maintaining high sensitivity and clarity in all weather conditions, the radar provides detail of targets even in highsea states.
WYSE
Wyse Technology is the global leader in cloud client computing. The Wyse portfolio includes industry-leading thin, zero and cloud PC client solutions with advanced management, desktop virtualization and cloud software supporting desktops, laptops and next-generation mobile devices. Cloud client computing replaces the outdated computing model of the unsecure, unreliable, energy-intensive and expensive PC, all while delivering lower TCO and a superior user experience. Whether you’re protecting mission-critical data on a classified network or managing a thousand users at a federal medical facility, Wyse cloud client computing is an affordable, low-maintenance solution and the preferred alternative to the PC. When rigorous security and safety are called for, Wyse rises to the challenge with solutions for government applications, guarding sensitive data while offering affordable options for field and military operations.
Carmanah
Carmanah’s Model M704-5 is a self-contained solar-powered LED marine lantern, trusted by the world’s largest maritime authorities. The M704-5 features up to five nautical miles visibility and optional GPS synchronization capability. In use by coast guards, navies and port authorities, the M704-5 solar marine lantern delivers up to 10 years of maintenancefree operation. (Battery replacement required at 3-5 year mark.) The M704-5 is designed specifically to be vandal and theft-resistant. The M704-5 is engineered to meet requirements of the USCG in 22 CFR part 66 for Private Aids to Navigation and is manufactured in a facility with a quality management system that is certified to ISO 9001:2001. ♦