The tactical 4th Generation on-the-move LTE (TAC4G) military broadband cellular network, has been developed by ELTA Systems Ltd., a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).  It is a secure, threat-immune, on-the-move, multi-media military communications network and device that presents information from electronic sensors and human intelligence in the battlefield on a single, accessible and easy to use hand-held unit called “Simba”. The new,  ruggedized,  device is capable of voice, video and cellular data exchange over the selected cellular network and will be demonstrated by ELTA to selected customers in the coming months.

IAI was the first company to operate an independent cellular LTE (Long Term Evolution) network in Israel during the evaluation and field trials of the system last year. The LTE network is an advanced standard for wireless data communications technology. An evolution of the GSM/UMTS standards, LTE increases the capacity and speed of wireless data networks using a new DSP (digital signal processing) techniques.

The experience gained during the evaluation and field trials enabled IAI to create a unique solution in which secure encrypted data is transmitted by the handheld unit through a dedicated ELTA 4G network, or through existing conventional commercial 3G or 4G infrastructures. This solution allows for continuous, uninterrupted data-streaming even while switching from a dedicated military network to a civilian network and vice-versa, allowing for a more robust and damage-tolerant network.

“The TAC 4G LTE on-the-move network, enhanced with the new addition of the Simba Smartphone is an innovative breakthrough that combines military requirements with everyday commercial-use solutions to create a secure, powerful and omnipresent information exchange system for the ground forces, ” said IAI. “We are proud and delighted to be the driving force for this concept, and we look forward to the coming demonstrations of the “Simba” smart phone and TAC4G network.”

Courtesy of i-HLS.com