Innovative Concepts, Inc. Receives Endorsement from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense
19 February 2003 11:32
Innovative Concepts, Inc. receives endorsement from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense.
Innovative Concepts, Inc. intends to integrate ad-hoc networking into the LEWK UAV ACTD.
McLean, VA – February 19, 2003 -- Innovative Concepts, Inc. has received an endorsement from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for continuation in Phase II of the Navy Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) focused on real-time multimedia communications in highly mobile networks. Innovative Concepts, Inc. recently completed Phase I which included research, development and testing of several ad-hoc networking protocols. Innovative Concepts, Inc. concluded Phase I with a live demonstration to the Ad-hoc On Demand Vector (AODV) protocol for the Office of Naval Research.
The endorsement includes the intent for initial deployment of ad-hoc networking capabilities into the Loitering Electronic Warfare Killer (LEWK) UAV Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD). A goal of the LEWK ACTD is to develop a system of multiple UAVs that operate collectively to perform their designated missions. Significant enhancements to current Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) specifications are required for cooperative Command, Control and Communication (C3). The ability to seamlessly form mobile ad-hoc networks through the use of ground stations and multiple UAVs will provide the U.S. military with a critical advantage on the battlefield. No longer will UAV operators be required to maintain routing tables and perform other network management functions. Implementing self-configuring network protocols and ad-hoc routing algorithms overcomes current networking limitations and results in mobile networks that are self-forming and self-healing. Temporary (jamming, shadowing) or permanent loss (downed UAV) of a single node will not affect the stability of a UAV network; the network becomes progressively more robust and truly mobile.
Innovative Concepts, Inc.’s objective is to work in conjunction with the LEWK program office in demonstrating ad-hoc networking capabilities in FY 2003. Our phase I demonstrations will include an individual UAV leaving the ad-hoc network, autonomously performing a preprogrammed task, and re-entering the network to be assimilated automatically as a peer node. We will then transition to phase II, which includes testing a small swarm of UAVs that extend the overall reach capabilities of the ad-hoc network. In addition, we are looking to develop and implement ad-hoc networking algorithms that augment the VHF/UHF network in the same fashion as they do for the WiFi network (designed directly for LEWK). Phase III will include implementing (into LEWK flight test plans) long range flight profiles to determine VHF/UHF link control envelopes.
Innovative Concepts, Inc. believes that continued development in the area of ad-hoc networking capabilities for UAV programs is the key to capitalizing on all the critical strategic capabilities of the numerous military UAV programs.
Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) Journal: Innovative Concepts, Inc.'s "Mobile Ad Hoc UAV Networks" is featured in ISR Journal's Industry Watch (2003/March-April/Vol.2 No.2).
About Innovative Concepts, Inc.
Innovative Concepts, Inc. is a communications technology development firm specializing in the research, design, development, production and support of wireless data communications products and services. Dedicated to delivering innovative products and services to the defense community, Innovative Concepts, Inc. collaborates with its customers to help them communicate more effectively and operate more efficiently. Our expertise includes: the product suite of IDM Technology™, software and systems engineering, hardware development, and aerospace technical services.
For more information on this company:
Innovative Concepts - Wireless Data Communications
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