Persisent Systems to roll out regional network for US Air Force bases
Malmstrom AFB is one of three sites to receive IRON networking capability. (Photo: USAF)
Persistent Systems has been awarded a $75.5 million contract by the USAF supporting Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) in rolling out the company's Infrastructure-based Regional Operation Network (IRON) across three air bases as part of the Regional Operating Picture (ROP) programme.
Persistent's Wave Relay network will enable airmen equipped with MANET devices to share voice, video, chat, sensor, and GPS data. IRON will extend this network over a 25,000-square-mile area, connecting edge networks into a unified Battlespace Awareness Network.
ROP utilises IRON antennas on fixed towers and poles to connect 75 operation centres and over 1,000 security force vehicles.
Related Articles
Persistent Systems shows early developmental model version of new display
Why China's surveillance balloon is more intriguing than alarming
'The first step will be to roll out ROP across Malmstrom, Minot, and FE Warren Air Force Bases with eventually more to come,' said Adrien Robenhymer, Persistent's VP of business development.
IRON is also used with networked weapons, base defences, distribution of over-the-horizon communications for airborne counterinsurgency, and to support the USAF Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concept for dealing with near-peer powers targeting large air bases.
The ROP programme has already commenced deploying IRON systems across the missile fields and work will continue over the next three years.
More from Land Warfare
-
First capability of Israel’s Iron Beam laser to be delivered by the end of December
Iron Beam is a family of high-energy laser weapon systems currently in development by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and is designed to provide a low-cost kinetic effect against aerial threats at short distances.
-
Hanwha awarded $482 million in major step for South Korea’s missile defence programme
The deal to produce and supply launchers and missiles to South Korea follows a contract placed with Hanwha Systems last month for the manufacture of multi-function radars.
-
China goes for ground-launched attack weapons as it strengthens deterrence strategy
China has been advancing its capabilities with a new generation of precision-guided artillery and loitering munitions, positioning ALIT’s WS-series as direct competitors with Western systems like the US’s M982 Excalibur.
-
Land forces review: British Army vehicle programme stalls and company results land
In the first monthly review of land forces stories, the Shephard team looks back to evaluate the major news events that have impacted the sector. The UK’s Land Mobility Programme was notable but another setback occurred when a market industry day was scrapped.
-
Sweden boosts air defence capabilities with Diehl Defence, Saab and MBDA orders
The orders continue the country’s growing investment in its air defence systems across land and sea, coming months after previous investments by the government into IRIS-T SLM equipment.