The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has awarded a $1.9 million contract to LGS Innovations for work on its Tactical Undersea Network Architectures (TUNA) programme.
The contract will see LGS, along with Linden Photonics and Tethers Unlimited, perform model simulations, design, and analysis work on technology to develop neutrally-buoyant undersea cable for an undersea fibre optic based network. Work will also include scaled development and demonstrations.
Under the TUNA programme, DARPA seeks to temporarily restore tactical data network connectivity in contested environments by using optical-fibre-based technology.
In the initial phase, the programme focuses on the concept and technology development in buoy nodes, small fibre optic cable systems and system design. The second phase will focus on the implementation of an integrated end-to-end network prototype.
LGS' work on the contract will run for more than 15 months.
Kevin Kelly, CEO, LGS Innovations, said: ‘The goal of the programme is to ensure that our armed forces retain an information advantage even in contested environments where potential adversaries may attempt to disrupt other communication channels. LGS’ advanced R&D capabilities will be leveraged to support of our national defence through extreme cutting edge network technology and science.’
The airborne three-domain, the two ground-based and the ¼ ATR OpenVPX-based cross-domain systems were engineered to provide real-time security across multi-domain operations.
DARPA’s Mission-Integrated Network Control (MINC) programme was set up to develop an autonomous tactical network and enable critical data flow in contested environments.
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The Joint Counter Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device Electronic Warfare (JCREW) counter-improvised explosive device (C-IED) and Drone Restricted Access Using Known Electromagnetic Warfare (DRAKE) counter-UAS (CUAS) systems are mounted and dismounted RF jammers.
Adarga’s Vantage information analysis tool is in service with the UK MoD and individual UK forces. It builds on the company’s Knowledge Platform which processes, organises and analyses open source material, as well as information held by the user’s military, security and intelligence services.
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