Mil-Tech

Hughes MWR Satellite Services in Afghanistan and Iraq

Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES), the global leader in broadband satellite networks and services, has expanded provision of high-speed satellite Internet access for U.S. troops deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Available at U.S. military bases, the broadband Internet service is being delivered via the company’s new operations hub in Dubai, enabling troops to stay in touch with family and friends at home, including sending photos and videos, connecting over social networking sites and making VoIP telephone calls.

Hughes is proud to provide high-speed Internet service to our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, reinforcing the military’s Morale, Welfare & Recreation [MWR] efforts in the region.

Hughes has been providing broadband satellite terminals throughout the region since 2003, and the additional bandwidth and resources from its new Dubai-based hub now enables Hughes to connect even more men and women of the military with their loved ones at home while they serve our country overseas.

“Hughes is proud to provide high-speed Internet service to our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, reinforcing the military’s Morale, Welfare & Recreation [MWR] efforts in the region,” said Rick Lober, vice president and general manager of Hughes Defense and Intelligence Systems Division. “Staying connected with spouses, children, extended family, and friends is essential for our troops’ morale, especially as they often are deployed overseas for a year or more.”

Payam Herischi, senior director of Hughes Global Services added, “Hughes has been providing broadband satellite terminals throughout the region since 2003, and the additional bandwidth and resources from our new Dubai-based hub now enables us to connect even more men and women of the military with their loved ones at home while they serve our country overseas.”

Hughes high-speed satellite internet service is available at U.S. military bases in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait, with local installation and logistics support provided by partner companies in the region.

First line of defense: AMATOYA fire reconnaissance vehicle concept

AMATOYA is an idealistic concept, yet it does address a number of issues in the field of fire appliance design that seem to beg attention. Tthe purpose-built monocoque design means the the shell takes most of the stresses and gull wing doors provide the most effective access to its unconventional form. Bodywork is protected by military-grade sacrificial thermo-ceramic intumescent paints (swelling, heat-resistant paint to you and me), and windows and bodywork are further insulated by advanced aerogel laminated insulation.

An auxiliary water store supplies an intelligent temperature-controlled spray-down system which allows the vehicle to stay fully operational and mobile while in use. It maintains current 4WD capability with generous approach, departure and over-ramp angles, suspension travel, ground clearance and minimized turn circle, and additionally employs central tire inflation (CTI) and run flat tire (RFT) technology coupled with beadlock tires that allow an extensive band of dynamic pressure control to aid in traversing complex terrain. It has a mechanically injected large displacement diesel engine designed with fire ground conditions in mind.

The AMATOYA requires only two crew members to be operated effectively which allows for greater distribution of resources in an emergency. In a style more befitting military design the driver is positioned high, central and forward to maximize down vision; this is aided by the lack of a traditional b-pillar which provides uninterrupted views for the ROSCO operator behind the driver.

ROSCO, or Remotely Operated Suppression Cannon Outfit utilizes IFEX3000 impulse technology to efficiently (and ecologically) combat fire, and reduce the impact to crew members of the stresses of extended high intensity work. It is coupled with a 1800lt 400lt auxiliary water supply which has been positioned low and centrally to increase vehicle stability.

A thermal imaging camera along with directional spot lights will assist in ‘hotspot’ location to determine the most effective direction of attack.

Raytheon WNaN has successful demo

Raytheon marked a milestone with its wireless mobile ad hoc network system under development for the U.S. military following a successful demonstration.

U.S. company Raytheon says its BBN Technologies unit, through a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and Air Force Research Laboratory sponsorship, is working to develop its Wireless Network After Next mobile network solution.

The WNaN network is designed to establish a wireless network capable of adapting to changing battlefield conditions to provide continuous connectivity on low-cost radio hardware. Raytheon says its WNaN successfully demonstrated a transmission of voice and data across a realistic in-flux wireless mobile ad hoc network.