Harris Introduces 3G Cellular Network-in-a-Box for Warfighters

Harris introduced its "KnightHawk 3G" — a ruggedized, highly mobile tactical base station that enables warfighters on the move to maintain 3G cellular services in locations with limited or no cellular connectivity. The platform was jointly developed by Harris and Battleground Telecommunications Systems (BTS).


The KnightHawk 3G is a customizable cellular Network In a Box (NIB) compatible with commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) equipment, including smartphones and tablets. Each KnightHawk 3G is installed with BTS Praefectus Mission Management Software, which automates configuration and management of the cellular network, and enables each KnightHawk to operate autonomously or as a scalable network with hundreds of nodes for increased range. This compatibility allows users in the battlefield to leverage existing applications, thereby enabling them to track a team's location, automatically translate foreign languages, and conduct remote training using existing advanced programs.


KnightHawk 3G features UMTS High Speed Packet Access, providing extremely fast connectivity of 14.4 mbps for downloads and up to 5.76 mbps for uploads. It also offers the benefits of small size, weight and power (SWaP), making it ideal for mobile, multi-mission requirements in challenging environments.


"KnightHawk 3G is a landmark system that gives the U.S. military immediate access to millions of low-cost commercial devices already on the market while maintaining compatibility with future standards," said Dan Pearson, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Harris. "Our unique solution blends the principle of interoperability with capabilities that use the current cellular tower model and enables the military to deploy it on a variety of platforms while on the move."http://www.harris.com
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