PacTec develops SPIN prototype
PacTec has developed a prototype personal radio-locator system called Squad Positioning Intelligence Network (SPIN) for dismounted soldiers, the UK Ministry of Defence announced on 19 April. The system is being developed with the support of the Centre for Defence Enterprise (CDE).
SPIN runs on a self-aware network (SAN) where all members of the SAN are aware of each other’s location. It is designed to operate in buildings or GPS-denied areas - an important capability when considering that individual geolocation will likely form an integral part of next-generation military communication, navigation and command and control systems.
The technology could lead to more reliable, secure and robust personal communication, navigation and situational infrastructure to support the soldier in the field.
Paul McCormack, managing director, PacTec, said: ‘CDE support and financial assistance has provided industry-standard endorsement for our technology, it has ensured that our technology and expertise is visible and that our route-to-market has been greatly enhanced. In short, CDE has provided us with a Kitemark for our product.’
Further development of SPIN will concentrate on direction-facing and personal awareness functions together with voice and grid reference data. Potential applications of the technology could include mobile search-and-secure tasks in anti-terrorist and urban warfare operations.
More from Digital Battlespace
-
![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.
-
![Australia looks towards space with force restructure, investment and training]()
Australia looks towards space with force restructure, investment and training
Australia is looking to improve its presence in space with a focus on communications and creating a dedicated segment of its defence forces committed to the domain.
-
![EID to unveil new vehicle communication system at DSEI]()
EID to unveil new vehicle communication system at DSEI
The Portuguese company’s naval communications system is in service across more than a dozen countries. It has turned to its home nation for support in developing a new vehicle based C2 system.
-
![Chess Dynamics successfully demonstrates Vision4ce AI-driven tracker]()
Chess Dynamics successfully demonstrates Vision4ce AI-driven tracker
The Vision4ce Deep Embedded Feature Tracking (DEFT) technology software is designed to process video and images by blending traditional computer vision with artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to present actionable information from complex environments.
-
![Wave Relay devices cleared for security use on commercial systems in industry trend]()
Wave Relay devices cleared for security use on commercial systems in industry trend
Persistent Systems has been cleared by National Security Agency (NSA) to transmit sensitive data on commercial networks. The devices are added to the NSA’s Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) component list which also includes other companies’ products providing the same security.
-
![UK teases cyber spending boost in Strategic Defence Review ahead of “imminent” release]()
UK teases cyber spending boost in Strategic Defence Review ahead of “imminent” release
The release of the UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR) has been long promised as mid-year. It is possible it could be as early as 2 June although the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) continues to play its cards close to its chest.
