Vitavox - Military Grade Loudspeakers, Handsets and Microphone Communicating Systems

Based in Elstree, UK, Vitavox has supplied the UK and ministries of defence worldwide with loudspeakers, handsets and microphones since before the Second World War. Vitavox (now a division of Secomak) continues to be one of Britain's true remaining defence communications manufacturers of the most rugged specification audio equipment. This equipment is suitable for the damaging and hazardous operational environments to be encountered by both products and service personnel deployed in today's modern battlefield on land or at sea.

Software-defined tactical intercom

The VITAVIC 400 is a software-defined technical solution for tactical communications both inside and outside all military, paramilitary and light strike armoured vehicles and platforms. It is also the optimum solution for main battle tanks and other platforms' end users who have, or wish to have the choice to use a number of different tactical headsets and combat net radios (CNRs) as required for any particular operation.

The VITAVIC 400 provides the crew of any vehicle or platform with safe and unfailing communications in urban warfare. All crew members can easily access combat net radios where appropriate. The VITAVIC's 400 modular design concept ensures a fully operational intercom, optimally adjusted for light or heavy, wheeled or tacked armoured vehicles at very low cost and may be configured to accommodate smaller platforms requiring from two users and two CNR to larger infantry fighting vehicles where up to 21 (13 with full radio access) users and six CNR may be required.

The VITAVIC 400 is a true, fully software-defined, combat-proven digital intercom incorporating effective digital audio signal processing and will allow any type of radio or headset to be used as and when required.

Tactical battlefield communications system

The Vitavox Outacom (TM) patented communications system is an extremely rugged, powerful, military proven, loudspeaker and multiple speech input system. It integrates with all standard internal communication systems and offers an easily-implemented tactical battlefield communications innovation. The purpose of this system is to reduce the risk of unintended civilian or military casualties and the risk of needless collateral damage. It allows vehicle commanders and other authorised personnel the tactical ability to talk to people up to 250m from the vehicle or fixed military installation.

Speech inputs include a patented secure interconnectivity with internal communications systems, separate rugged microphones, flash memory, MP3, and secure radio. The system can be configured to meet all security protocols yet remains easy and intuitive to use.

The situations where Outacom is the sensible tactical option would include confronting suspects approaching on foot, those who may be using a vehicle or those operating within a crowded place. The Vitavox less than lethal option will allow the armed forces to deal with these challenging situations, minimising (ideally avoiding) any impact on bystanders or other collateral effects, and reduce the risk of inadvertently using lethal force. The Vitavox solution is suitable for use by armed forces on current operations in a variety of situations from foot patrols through to deployment at fixed military installations. The ability to be able to deter people from approaching when instructed not to and to disrupt enemy ability to monitor friendly force activity are among the functions that Vitavox Outacom System will provide. A portable version is also available.

Less-than-lethal effect technology

Outacom (TM) is a tactical, less-than-lethal audio solution. It can be uniquely deployed as either a plug-and-play addition to the existing vehicle communications system or in a standalone configuration allowing the operational crew the opportunity to reason audibly with the suspected miscreants in their own language before committing to a potentially more damaging course of events. The Outacom Communications system has a fail-safe function to enable isolation from the internal communications system and prevent unintended output. It is MIL-STD-810, IP67 waterproof, shockproof and blast proof to 70G.

Military intercom / main broadcast loudspeaker unit

Vitavox loudspeakers are current Royal Navy stock items, in service above and below deck. They are suitable for applications in noisy areas, such as propulsion machinery and helicopter loading bays plus a loudhailer application. Having been type tested to IP67 and withstand 70G force makes them a lasting choice as they are able to withstand close proximity explosions, heat and blasts.

Military-grade microphones

Vitavox supplies two types of hand held military-grade microphones; the B60 torch style microphone, which is ATEX approved and the B90 Noryl ergonomic, waterproof or noise cancelling microphone. Vitavox military-grade microphones, complete with press-to-speak switch, are fully watertight (except for the noise-cancelling version) and fully proofed against shock and vibration that may be encountered in harsh military operational environments. All Vitavox microphones can be supplied with alternative cabling and optional stowage solutions.

Rugged, waterproof, blast proof and shockproof loudspeakers

Rugged loudspeakers are designed to deliver clear speech in hostile and noisy environments. There are three basic types of Vitavox 3in rugged waterproof loudspeakers and each is available in either 8ohm or 15ohm. All the units are designed for usage where a loudspeaker capable of withstanding constant vibration and sudden shock is required. The lightweight version can be used in tight enclosures where space is at a premium. Standard and lightweight versions are available configured in reverse polarity. A low magnetic version has been introduced for systems requiring a reduced magnetic field signature, such as on mine hunters. This type obviates the need for reversed polarity versions of the standard and lightweight units.

All types can be used either for speech or tone burst sound, capable of handling considerable overloads above their 4W rating. They are fully watertight, shockproof and blast proof.