Tactical Radio Interoperability for the Warfighter

Incident Commanders’ Radio InterfaceTM

ICRITM

®

The ICRI Solution to a multitude of tactical problems…

Interconnects US/coalition military radios, municipal public safety radios, state and federal radios, land-line/cell/satellite telephones, in moments through the unmanned ICRI.

ICRI provides a rugged, highly portable, radio cross-band (VHF, UHF, 800MHz), cross platform (digital/analog, trunked /talk-around, AM/FM) capability for mutual aid operations.

Enhance the radio link between warfighters operating in areas of poor RF propagation (inside-outside buildings, tunnels) and remotely located C2 personnel by serving as a rapidly field-able “repeater.”

ICRI

An effective and low cost solution to: Establishing immediate C2 with the dissimilar radios of

Marine Corps Special Response Teams, USAR, police, medical triage, WMD-CST , and other supporting agencies

Enhancing in-building and below grade radio communications

The Equipment (Patented)

Small (10” x 3” x 7”), rugged package/circuitry

Highly portable (3.5 lbs)

Rapidly deployable (under 5 minutes)

Multiple radio interconnect without adding technical complexity

Minimal “operator” training

Wide range of power sources (including “AA” batteries)

Low cost in equipment and allocated manpower

ICRI in Action

Force Protect or Site C2

Range Extension

MCWL CWID ‘06 Evaluation Configuration

Certifications and Approvals

JFCOM ’05 CWID recommended for immediate deployment

RCMP Qualified Products list USAF Force Protection Battlelab USMC Warfighter Lab DICE Certified EPG CEDAP selected technology EPF CTAC selected technology AEL/SEL approved SAFECOM Rapidcom 9/30 SoR

V1.0 and 1.1 (draft version)

Military Radios Currently TestedCompatible with ICRI

MBITR Harris 5800 with ALE Codan with remote PTT access PRC-148 SINCGARS PSC-5 XTL5000 XTVA XTS5000 digital, XTS3000 analog PRC-117 PRC-521 Scope Shield Bowman Iridium GlobalStar MSV Satellite radio ICOM F43-GS ICOM F80 STU and STE secure telephones Motorola SECTERA encrypted cell phone TMC SRP 8030/8031 AN/ARC-164, ARC-186, and ARC-201

Expanding The ICRI’s Capabilities…ICRI-E

7.0 lbs 10.5” x 9.5” x 6.0” WATERPROOF, SAND-PROOF Internal housing for eight (8) “AA” alkaline/primary

batteries provide an 24+ hour duty cycle; also uses external DC (7-31V)

Uses standard “military” connectors and compatible with the H-25-/350 “green gear” handset

2.7 lbs “BACK PACK-ABLE” 10.5” x 9.5” x 1.33” Internal lithium ion rechargeable batteries provide an 8 hour

duty cycle; also uses the ICRI 8 “AA” alkaline battery pack providing a 24+ hour duty cycle

Uses standard “military” connectors and compatible with the H-250/350 “green gear” handset

Expanding The ICRI’s Capabilities…ICRI-WFM

Expanding The ICRI’s Capabilities…ICRI-2P

2.7 lbs Tactical Repeater 7.5” x 9.5” x 1.5” Two Radio I/O ports +

telephone port Internal 9V battery housing

provides a 5 hour duty cycle; also uses the ICRI 8 “AA” alkaline battery pack providing a 24+ hour duty cycle

Expanding The ICRI’s Capabilities…ICRI-2PE/Deep

5.5 lbs Tactical Repeater with

integrated storage 10” x 11.5” x 8” Two Radio I/O ports + telephone

port Internal 6 “AA” battery housing

provides a 30+ hour duty cycle; also uses external AC or DC supplies.

Expanding The ICRI’s Capabilities…ICRI-2P/VoIP

3 lbs Tactical Repeater Internal VoIP ATA circuitry, SIP

protocol 8.5” x 9.5” x 2” Two Radio I/O ports + handset

port Uses AC or DC power supplies

Total weight: 20lbs Integrated, water-proof Pelican™

case; 10 radio ports, handset or headset

port, telephone port 4 talk group selection for all ports Cell and land-line telephone

(POTS/PSTN) compatible Commercial and military satellite

compatible HF, UHF, VHF, 700-900MHz and P25

portable/mobile compatible Low current drain:

5 radio bridge mode: 100mA @12V, 10 radio bridge mode: 200mA @12V

Operates on 8 or 16 AA batteries, external 6.5V-20 (24-31VDC option), 115/220 AC

Expanding The ICRI’s Capabilities…ICRI-4TG, 10 Radio Port

10 radio ports, handset or headset port, telephone port 4 talk group selection for all ports Cell and land-line telephone (POTS/PSTN) compatible Commercial and military satellite compatible Low band, VHF, 220-900MHz legacy and P25 portable/mobile compatible VoIP options include DTMF pad/hook/flash switch Operates on external 6.5V-20, 115/220 AC Low current drain: 200mA @12V

Expanding The ICRI’s Capabilities…ICRI-4TG, 10 Radio Port with VoIP

Expanding The ICRI’s Capabilities…Repeater

ICRI Integration

Transit Case with VHF, UHF, and 800MHz Radio as configured for State of New Jersey SIEC

Integrated Interoperability Suite (IIS)

Provide seamless interoperability between emergency services communications networks, including agency two-way radios, with satellite-based extensions to public or private networks. The IIS enables agencies to communicate via satellite to available infrastructure communications. Voice and Data services are fully supported as well as VPN.

C-AT solves a critical and growing issueBridge Unit ID® and Remote Control DTMF

C-AT has developed the Bridge Unit ID® and Remote Control DTMF features for the ICRI in response to the critical disruption of radio communications that can occur when more than one "bridge" device links radios with identical frequencies, causing heterodyning. Both bridges and all radios connected to them become locked up and rendered useless until the bridge is removed. These features radically simplify the task of locating the owner of the interfering bridge and in shutting the device down.

The Bridge Unit ID® is a digitized speech message programmed by the user organization / agency. The “ID” is transmitted when the unit is first powered up on all talk groups and then at preset intervals of 0, 5, 10, or 15 minutes and will automatically wait to broadcast if there is any radio activityat the interval mark.

Additional Details1

The device will provide an audio matrix interface between multiple commercial/military land mobile radios (LMR) or different types and operating frequencies, and a land-line/ cellular telephone.

A small, lightweight interconnect assembly for dissimilar radios (models/frequencies, clear/encrypted, talk-around/ trunked) used by the multiple organizations/teams at an IDLH incident.

A rugged assembly that can be transported to an incident without special transport or power requirements.

Additional Details2

The “maintainer” (e.g.: a RTO) of the ICRI is not required to maintain radios other than his own, as each supporting organization that arrives on-scene brings one “extra” of its own radios to be mated to the ICRI for the duration of the incident.

Additional matrix/radio “ports” are provided for in the design to permit additional IC radios to “join” the IC voice network. Each audio input port, except the telephone port (where it is not necessary), uses a voice activation “radio key” and receive priority circuitry. Power requirement for the ICRI is 7-20V, 0.08 Amps so that 8 “AA” batteries will power the ICRI for more than 24 hours under 100% operating load.

Additional Details3

Two talk-groups can be established by toggle switch. Encrypted voice can be passed cross band/cross platform. Remote “all call” can be enabled by telephone or two-way radio. Alternate power sources: 115-220V AC 50/60 Hertz, vehicle-

supplied 12 volts DC. Two ICRIs can be joined in the field--without tools--to expand the

number of linked radios. Optional “Pelican” cases with die–cut foam insert provides water-

proof, decon-able operational capabilities, and “checked-baggage” transport.

Optional “audio delay” circuitry available to address channel access delays in “trunked” radio systems.

Talk group monitoring/recording capability for training and archiving.

Five (5) year warrantee for parts and labor

Rack-mount version with ALL-CALL feature

Comments from the Field…63rd WMD-CST, Oklahoma

The extension cables also bring radio signals into electrically shielded areas. For instance, the 63rd WMD-CST helps civil authorities identify, contain and manage biological, chemical and radioactive threats discovered in the continental United States. To train for this task, personnel spend a lot of time suited-up inside confined spaces, where weapons may be produced or stored.

“We did one exercise in which we had to send a team member into a concrete cistern,” Sgt. Stapleton relates. “Normally, we would have had great difficulty in maintaining radio communications in such an environment. However, by attaching a radio to an ICRI cable and then lowering it into the cistern, the problem was solved. Whenever he needed to talk to us, the team member keyed his radio, which connected to the suspended handheld. The signal was carried up the extension cable to the ICRI, fed to a second radio above ground and rebroadcast on another frequency. For us to answer him, the process was simply reversed. The result was that we had no problem keeping in touch in a typically hostile radio situation,” he explains.

SFC Curtis Stapleton

Comments from the Field…DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY HEADQUARTERS, 82D AIRBORNE DIVISION

MEMORANDUM FOR RECORDSUBJECT: Operational Statement for Incident Commanders’ Radio Interface (ICRI)  1. Problem. Currently many units within the 82d Airborne Division are equipped with many different types of radios sets impeding the interoperability among units. 2. Justification. The way ahead is to be capable to command and control different elements with in the division and at the same time have the capability to operate with other agencies in case of Home Land Security, Natural Disasters, and Real World Missions. 3. System Characteristics: This device is a rapidly deployable that links five incompatible platforms providing full voice communications interoperability with radios from all major commercial manufacturers i.e. MBITRs, SINGARS, PRC 117, PSC 5, XTS 5000, STU/STE, Inmarsat/Iridium Satellite phones. The ICRI is easy to set up and operate, requires no external equipment or trained operator. It power requirements are: 6.5-31Vdc external dc, 100-260 Vac, and can operate on eight “AA” battery pack for 24+ hours. 4. Operational Review: During Joint Force Entry Exercise (JFEX) conducted by 82nd Division, the ICRI enabled the Division Commander to communicate flawlessly with different elements providing command and control utilizing different platforms of communication. On this exercise the ICRI permitted the interoperability between Air Force platforms and Army platforms providing seamless communications structure. 5. In case of any question please contact the undersigned at leslie.camacho@us.army.mil or Comm. (910) 432-0769, DSN 239-0769

LESLIE, CAMACHO CPT, SC G6 PLANS OFFICER

Comments from the Field…CHEMICAL BIOLOGICAL INCIDENT RESPONSE FORCE

Does the product provide a capability to CBIRF that does not currently exist or does it improve a currently existing capability? If so, what improvements does it provide?Yes, it will allow CBIRF to communicate with other radio types, to include tactical to commercial.

Is the equipment user friendly? i.e., Can the average Marine put this piece of equipment into action with minimal training or will it require extensive initial training with required vendor follow-on training?The equipment is user friendly for all to use.

Are there special logistics requirements for this piece of equipment that CBIRF does not currently possess and will these requirements greatly increase the cost of purchasing this equipment? If so, what are they?There are no special requirements.

Please provide any additional comments that could be of use - not covered in the questions above - that you feel will have an impact on the vendor’s technology.It is a very versatile piece of communications equipment and would greatly help increase CBIRF’s inter-agency communications ability at an incident site. The process would be practically transparent to the end users.

CAPT BRIAN T. GRANA

Comments from the Field…Space Aggressor Squadron, Schriever AFB, CO

The ICRI works beautifully and will help us to communicate on the different radio nets we must work with while we are on the road with the military.  This would be an excellent tool for military field units that must work together in locations such as Afghanistan where the units have different comms gear.  I wish I had owned an ICRI at my last unit (5th Battalion, 19th Special Forces COARNG [Airborne]).  I could have expanded my radio network when needed just by plugging in!

Sgt. Tom Nicholls

Comments from the Field…Coalition Warrior Interoperability Demonstration (CWID ’05)

“In all, CWID '05 had 49 trials with 39 of them applicable to USNORTHCOM and its HLS/D coalition partners’ missions. This After Action Report (AAR) details the assessment results for 26 trials we identified as most promising from a HLS/D perspective. Of the 26 trials, USNORTHCOM recommends 3 trials for JFCOM consideration as input to the Transformation Change Proposal (TCP) process for further evaluation and funding. The nominated trials highlighted in this AAR are:

Weapons of Mass Destruction Common Operational Picture (WMD COP) Multi-level-secure Information Infrastructure (MI2) Incident Commander Radio Interface (ICRI)

…Use of ICRI will enhance relationships between USNORTHCOM, its subordinate JTFs, the National Guard and local and state emergency operations centers by providing the ability to rapidly link the communications systems used by civil agencies and those systems used by military first responders.”

HQ USNORTHCOM, CWID ’05 After Action Report

While serving in the Katrina ravaged New Orleans area,  four CST's were tasked to survey the basement of the Charity Hospital in the New Orleans.  My task was to help provide communications during survey operations.  The basement of the Charity Hospital  was 26,000 square feet, in order to have adequate communications the UHF repeater was lethargically taken into the building using three survey personnel to take two antenna's, coax and the awkward repeater itself into the building. When I was told of the 250 foot ICRI cable from some of the other teams I jumped on it.  If you think about it, one survey member can take the ICRI reel into the hot zone with one hand.  It is light and very easy to deploy into your incident site.  We plan on purchasing a second ICRI reel so we can extend our coverage if needed. Think about it a light reel with a handheld radio attached to it with our team frequencies, the reel goes into the hot zone, the ICRI stays in either the warm zone or the cold zone.  When the Survey members in the hot zone key their PTT the radio transmission hits the handheld on the ICRI  cable the audio is then pushed through the cable into the ICRI and retransmitted out of the handheld connected to the ICRI  control box to all radios in the vicinity of the handheldstransmission.   I believe this is one solution for tunnels or difficult buildings with thick concrete impeding the transmission of the radios trying to reach the outside handhelds.  I know I feel better having something like this in my arsenal.

SFC Joe Parker, 85th WMD-CST Utah

Comments from the Field… 85th WMD-CST Utah

Cost

Configure a quickly deployable ICRI to link an F43GS to MBITR, or SINCGARS to PSC-5 for under $4000. Fully MIL 810E configured versions with interface cabling for 5 radios is under $10,000.

GSA Schedule GS-07F-0653N

For Additional Information…

G. Seth LeymanCommunications-Applied Technology

11250-14 Roger Bacon Drive, Reston, VA, 20190

Voice: 703-481-0068; Fax: 703-471-4428 e-mail: leymans@c-at.com

Website: www.radiointeroperability.com

CAGE Code: 0EEY2, TIN: 54-1215868DOL Small Business SIC 3669

Proposed Technical Approach A non-software based “bridge” utilizes a patented VOX controlled

“keying” of multiple radios. VoIP interface is non-proprietary ATA (Cisco ATA 186) or E&M, or

Cisco IPICS router and backbone Need for user adjustments limited by the signal leveling circuitry

so that warfighter with no prior training can rapidly deploy. Extensive field and lab testing by DoJ/NIJ, Army, Marine, and USAF

Battlelabs. More than 200 deployed ICRIs with CONUS and OCONUS active duty units including JTF-CS, NGB CSTs, USASOC, Navy Mid-Atlantic Regional Public Safety, MCSFBn

JFCOM CWID ’05 “item of special interest” and JTIC DICE ’06 technology

Component of Marine Corps Warfighter Lab CWID ’06 trial.

Rough Order of Magnitude Cost and Schedule: The ICRI is a COTS/NDI item and is currently available on GSA contract

No. GS-07-F-0653N. Shipset configurations recently purchased by military agencies have an

invoiced value of $10,000. No annual calibration or depot level service required Availability of the ICRI is 10-14 days after receipt of order

Corporate Information:Communications-Applied Technology11250-14 Roger Bacon DriveReston, VA 20190-5202Tel: 800.229.3925, Fax: 703.471.4428, www.radiointeroperability.com Mr. Seth Leyman, President. Email: leymans@c-at.comTIN: 54-1215868, DUNS: 08-104-0214, CAGE Code 0EEY2, DOL Small Business SIC 3669

Operational and performance capabilities summary. A rapidly deployable device to link 2 to 11 incompatible communications

devices providing full voice communications interoperability in the field--Remote DTMF controllable over the air or IP .

Supports interoperability of HF/VHF/UHF, 700-900MHz simplex and trunked commercial radios, “green gear” radios (including MBITR, SINCGARS, PRC117, PRC150 PSC5, XTS5000, XTL5000, XTVA), STU/STE phones Global-Star/Inmarsat/Iridium satellite telephones, Nextel “direct connect” radiophones

Radios, telephone and handset can be individually assigned to up to four (4) communications networks/talk groups based on NIMS or encryption level

Supports VoIP phone, cell phones and land-line phones Simple and easy to set up and operate, no external equipment or trained

operator required; no Windows or other OS interface for direct interoperability Small, rugged, lightweight and highly portable Total weight: versions as low as 7.0 lbs 10.5” x 9.5” x 6.0” Operates with “AA” batteries (30 hr [shorter with VoIP enabled]), DC, or AC Uses standard “NATO” connectors and compatible with the H-25-/350 “green

gear” handset

Portable, tactical interoperability between LOS:LOS and LOS:BLOS voice communications equipment directly and in combination with VoIP

Permits encrypted communications devices with different “keys” to intercommunicate directly or through secure VoIP

Permits cross-band/cross platform radio interoperability between military and public safety radios directly or through secure VoIP

Tactical Radio Interoperability for US/Coalition Warfighter