MDI solution offers to solve power and data issues for dismounted soldiers
The Ultra PCS Mounted/Dismounted Interface can connect up to four soldiers to a digital vehicle network. (Photo: Giles Ebbutt)
Ultra Precision Control Systems’ Mounted/Dismounted Interface (MDI) was unveiled in London this month with the offer of enhancing situational awareness and communication for dismounted soldiers.
Ultra Precision Control Systems (PCS) has developed a MDI to support dismounted soldiers connecting to vehicle power and data sources. The product was showcased at SAE Media Group’s Future Soldier Technology Conference in London this March.
The device enables soldiers embarked in vehicles to maintain their situational awareness, monitor the tactical picture, access vehicle communications systems and charge their batteries.
Tony White, land strategy director at Ultra, told Shephard that connecting the digitised soldier with a digitised vehicle was not simple.
“You can’t just plug a soldier straight into a vehicle network,” he said. “Power and electronic quality standards differ
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Canada accelerates uncrewed aerial system procurement for NATO and Arctic forces]()
Canada accelerates uncrewed aerial system procurement for NATO and Arctic forces
Canada plans to acquire at least 120 uncrewed aerial systems through two competitions with combined funding ceilings of C$32 million.
-
![October land forces roundup: AUSA dominates as list narrows for new British Army vehicle]()
October land forces roundup: AUSA dominates as list narrows for new British Army vehicle
New counter-drone technologies, autonomous launchers and manufacturing modernisation initiatives highlighted emerging opportunities for defence suppliers, while the UK advanced a major military vehicle procurement programme.
-
![Coming to America: companies look to tap into US with multi-domestic strategy]()
Coming to America: companies look to tap into US with multi-domestic strategy
Non-US companies are increasingly looking to establish subsidiary and partnerships to access the potential billions of dollars of vehicle and land systems contracts and there has already been some success.
-
![AUSA 2026: companies adapt munitions and missiles for greater effect at lower costs]()
AUSA 2026: companies adapt munitions and missiles for greater effect at lower costs
Rather than developing entirely new weapons, defence companies are looking to build on existing weapons and systems to deliver greater capability, control costs and accelerate fielding.
-
![AUSA 2026: industry looks to make commercial platforms a military reality]()
AUSA 2026: industry looks to make commercial platforms a military reality
With a production rate of more than 10 million vehicles annually, the US commercial car and vehicle manufacturing base is second only to China. Defence companies are looking at how the vehicles, technology and manufacturing capability can support programmes.
