Cambridge Consultants completes new trials on Iridium-based global push-to-talk radio system
Successful trials of new components of US Department of Defense Distributed Tactical Communications System
Cambridge, MA and UK – May 29, 2012 – Cambridge Consultants, a leading technology design and development firm, today announced it successfully completed initial trials with Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: IRDM) of new key components of the world’s largest push-to-talk (PTT) radio system – the US Department of Defense (DoD) Distributed Tactical Communications System (DTCS). DTCS enables soldiers in isolated areas to communicate without the need for ground infrastructure – and in locations where they often can’t pick up a geostationary satellite’s signal unless they move to higher ground.
The ‘netted’ group call communication system – involving listeners in designated user ‘nets’ – provides over-the-horizon, beyond line-of-sight tactical networks. Soldiers in remote combat zones or disaster areas are able to use lightweight handheld PTT radios to exchange mission-critical data with command centres across the globe, at the touch of a button.
Cambridge Consultants is delivering key new technology elements for DTCS. Ongoing development is extending existing capabilities to allow voice and data to be transmitted and received from any location worldwide, for unrivalled tactical and operational use. Using its unique knowledge of the Iridium system, as well as commercial PTT services, Cambridge Consultants has developed radio transceiver electronics for DTCS handheld radios, as well as gateway infrastructure to support the DTCS service. Both of these elements are critical to the success of the system, with the gateway element ultimately targeting a ‘five nines’ (99.999%) reliability rating, to ensure that soldiers have service when they need it most.
“Cambridge Consultants has a proven track record of developing technically challenging and ‘mission critical’ communications technologies, and bringing them to operational readiness quickly,” said Iridium executive vice-president for government programs Lt. Gen. John Campbell (USAF-Ret). “As a result, we did not hesitate in selecting Cambridge Consultants as our technology partner for this project, and have every confidence in the company’s ability to develop the electronics and software efficiently, whilst still adhering to the stringent requirements necessary for success.”
The new technology developed by Cambridge Consultants includes advanced software radio functionality that will provide multiple receiver capability and rapid synchronisation to Iridium satellites to enhance PTT connection speed and call quality. In addition, new encrypted bearer channels support encrypted communication within groups.
Richard Traherne, head of the wireless division at Cambridge Consultants, said: “We have been working with Iridium since 2003 as its design partner, and are excited to be extending our long-term relationship on this groundbreaking project. With one of the largest independent teams of wireless product developers in the world, we combine in-depth experience of mainstream communications with our unique Iridium system knowledge, to develop compelling products for Iridium’s clients. We look forward to supporting Iridium and its client – the US DoD – in launching the largest global PTT network.”
About Cambridge Consultants
Cambridge Consultants develops breakthrough products, creates and licenses intellectual property, and provides business consultancy in technology critical issues for clients worldwide. For 50 years, the company has been helping its clients turn business opportunities into commercial successes, whether they are launching first-to-market products, entering new markets or expanding existing markets through the introduction of new technologies. With a team of over 300 engineers, designers, scientists and consultants, in offices in Cambridge (UK) and Boston (USA), Cambridge Consultants offers solutions across a diverse range of industries including medical technology, industrial and consumer products, transport, energy, cleantech and wireless communications. For more information visit: www.CambridgeConsultants.com
Cambridge Consultants is part of Altran, the European leader in innovation and high technology consulting. The Group’s 17,500 consultants, operating worldwide, cover the entire range of engineering specialities, including electronics, information technology, quality and organization. Altran offers its clients ongoing support throughout the innovation cycle, from technology watch, applied basic research and management consulting to industrial systems engineering and information systems. The Group provides services to most industries, including the automotive, aeronautics, space, life sciences and telecommunications sectors. Founded in 1982, Altran operates in 20 priority countries. In 2008, it generated a turnover of €1,650 million. For more information visit: www.altran.com
