Welcome to MSW’s Scuttlebutt! Here’s the news for the day.
BATS Industry-First Wireless Broadband Tracking System Delivers 4.5Mbps Between Two Moving Ships at 44Km
Source: Broadband Antenna Tracking Systems
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN --- Broadband Antenna Tracking Systems, Inc. (BATS) has successfully demonstrated an industry-first ship-to-ship wireless broadband communications tracking system integrating its BTS-2500 units with two wireless broadband radios.
The demonstration was conducted on the Sea of Marmara for a customer that is seeking a cost-effective communications tracking system with high bandwidth and low latency that can cover great distances for its fleet of ships.
The BATS tracking systems were mounted on the main mast of each ship at a height of 16 meters above the sea. The live demonstration involved ships simultaneously moving at speeds up to 13 knots and at distances up to 44 kilometers apart. The RSSI was around -50 when the distance between the ships was under 20Km and -60 between 20-40Km.
"The BATS units quickly locked in and were able to track each other. The video surveillance and IP telephone applications ran perfectly with a stable bandwidth of 4.5Mbps and a maximum latency experience of less than 5 milliseconds, which exceeded the customer's expectations," said Bob Peterson, BATS Chief Executive Officer.
The BATS technology is agnostic as to frequency and broadband vendor radio equipment. The technology can automatically reposition the directional broadband antenna mounted on a vessel to maintain a wireless broadband network session. This unique industry-first tracking capability allows moving vehicles to obtain real-time access to resources inherent to broadband communications. The BATS system allows for rapid deployment of wireless networks as well as the geographic extension of a current network for customers who have limited broadband access or rely on expensive, low-bandwidth satellite communications.
Broadband Antenna Tracking Systems (BATS) provides a proprietary software and hardware platform that locates, locks and tracks wireless broadband communication access points. Our products are designed for quick deploy communications centers and mobile to fixed and mobile to mobile vehicle communications. BATS was founded by three information technology professors and researchers from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.
Submariners to Receive Pressurised Escape Training In Australia
Source: Australian Department of Defence
Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, today announced that submariners in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) will benefit from pressurised submarine escape training being reinstated following the signing of a contract with The Underwater Centre Fremantle (TUCF).
“This contract will enable pressurised escape training to recommence at the Submarine Escape Training Facility (SETF) at HMAS STIRLING,” Mr Combet said.
“The contract represents an important step in regaining local training capacity and will allow submariners to gain and maintain their qualifications quicker, in alignment with Navy’s submarine sustainability strategy.”
“The SETF simulates the escape from a Collins Class submarine including the effects of water pressure. Provision of pressurised submarine escape training is a critical component in the submariner training continuum.”
“TUCF will provide instructors to supply SETF services, including in-water submarine escape simulation.”
“TUCF has been accredited under the Australian Diver Accreditation System, which demonstrates that it has the professional, diving, training, assessment and business competence to deliver diver training to a standard that is recognised internationally and as industry best practice.”
“Submarine escape pressurised training for RAN submariners is expected to recommence in Australia late in 2009, following mandatory diver competency training and assessment of TUCF staff by the Royal Australian Navy.”
Since early 2009, interim pressurised escape training for RAN submariners has been undertaken in Quebec, Canada.
“By reinstating pressurised submarine escape training, RAN submariners will now have access to the full SETF capability here in Australia, provided by local industry through TUCF,” Mr Combet said.
The contract will be for an initial term of two years for a fixed price of A$ 4.32 million.
The Institute of Maritime History
Today’s website is The Institute of Maritime History. The Institute of Maritime History (IMH) is dedicated to the preservation and documentation of archaeological remains related to maritime history. Enjoy.
Website
This Day in U.S. Naval History
1838 - Exploring Expedition under Lt. Charles Wilkes embarks on world cruise.
1911 - First Navy Nurse Corps superintendent, Esther Voorhees Hasson, appointed.
1965 - First major amphibious assault in Vietnam, Operation Starlight captures 2,000 Viet Cong.
1966 - First ship-to-shore satellite radio message sent from USS Annapolis (AMGR 1) in South China Sea to Pacific Fleet Headquarters at Pearl Harbor.
1974 - After flooding in Philippines, Navy helicopters begin six days of operations to rescue people and bring supplies (244 flights).
Photo of the Day
The Military Sealift Command dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4), and two Royal Australian Navy heavy landing craft, the HMAS Betano (L 133) and the HMAS Wewak (L 130), are underway in the Solomon Islands during Pacific Partnership 2009.
Gator
