Lockheed Martin integrates MONAX system with aerostat platform
Lockheed Martin recently demonstrated the integration of the MONAX 3G wireless communications system with an aerostat platform demonstrating the ability to deliver real-time video and data directly to soldiers on the ground.
The MONAX communications system connects a commercial off the shelf (COTS) smartphone to a ground or airborne MONAX XG Base Station through a small, portable, battery powered MONAX Lynx user device, enabling the warfighter's use of a single, convenient, touch screen COTS smartphone for mission success at "the first tactical mile." The system is frequency flexible, connects hundreds of users to a single base station, and delivers superior range and link performance in voice, video and data transmission. The network uses a secure RF link, protected through exportable encryption for joint and coalition operations.
The integration demonstrated MONAX's ability to provide coverage over a substantial network area of more than 3,000 square kilometers with just one base station. During the testing, MONAX streamed real time video from the aerostat camera to COTS smartphones in the coverage area.
"The successful integration of these systems is a major step in the field readiness of MONAX to begin providing essential mission information and situational awareness to warfighters," said Macy Summers, Vice President of Advanced Programs and Ventures, for Lockheed Martin Information Systems & Global Solutions-Defense. "Dismounted solders at the platoon and squad levels can now have access to an affordable private network that delivers the wide capabilities of smartphone technology."
"We were able to keep the system footprint small in terms of size, weight and power," Summers said. "The MONAX equipment aboard the aerostat, which includes an antennae and radio frequency to fiber converter, weighs approximately 90 pounds and is connected to the base station on the ground through fiber optic cable embedded in the aerostat's tether."
MONAX products are available on the General Services Administration schedule purchasing vehicle and directly from Lockheed Martin.
Source: Lockheed Martin
More from Digital Battlespace
-
![Babcock nears first customer for Nomad AI translation tool]()
Babcock nears first customer for Nomad AI translation tool
Nomad can provide militaries with real-time intelligence, saving critical time on the battlefield.
-
![AUSA 2025: Kopin pushes micro-LED plans as China moves faster]()
AUSA 2025: Kopin pushes micro-LED plans as China moves faster
The plan for the new displays follows fresh investment in Kopin’s European facilities by Theon and an order for head-up displays in fielded aircraft, with funding from the US Department of Defense.
-
![AUSA 2025: Persistent Systems to complete its largest order by year’s end]()
AUSA 2025: Persistent Systems to complete its largest order by year’s end
Persistent Systems received its largest ever single order for its MPU5 devices and other systems earlier this month and has already delivered the 50 units to the US Army’s 4th Infantry Division.
-
![Aselsan brings in dozens of companies and systems under the Steel Dome umbrella]()
Aselsan brings in dozens of companies and systems under the Steel Dome umbrella
Turkey has joined the family of countries attempting to establish a multilayered air defence system with government approval in August 2024 for the effort landed by Aselsan. Dubbed Steel Dome, the programme joins Israel’s Iron Dome, the US Golden Dome, India’s Mission Sudarshan Chakra and South Korea’s low-altitude missile defence system.
-
![DSEI 2025: MARSS unveils new agnostic multidomain C4 system]()
DSEI 2025: MARSS unveils new agnostic multidomain C4 system
MARSS’ NiDAR system has been deployed using sensors from static platforms to provide detection and protection for static sights, such as critical infrastructure, ports and military bases.
