Bracer™ –new Android Application for Position Location Information
May 9, 2024 - Tim Williams - Accessing and processing data in the tactical domain has become increasingly more essential for operators to maximise the probability of achieving successful outcomes. This can be for the passage of information, such as; full motion video from air and ground sources, imagery, chat functionality, threat changes, weather, enemy and friendly force positions, tactical plans, intelligence etc. All of this information contributes to better user situational awareness, resulting with more informed and effective decision making.
When introducing new products and capabilities into the military and other tactical environments, interoperability is a key consideration. From the design to the introduction of QinetiQ’s secure (end to end encrypted FIPS 140-2 Level 3) Iridium Push-to-Talk (PTT) and Position Location Information (PLI) system, Bracer™, interoperability has been paramount. As a PACE (Primary, Alternate, Contingency, Emergency) capability the system is plug and play with a variety of different audio ancillaries (commonly used in the military Harris L3 to Apple iPhone handsfree), the GlenAir STAR-PAN data hub, Resilience Tactical Voice Bridging products, BaseCamp Voice Bridging products, WAVE Radio over IP and different GIS and Command and Control Systems such as ATAK, WinTAK, Google Earth.
As technology has advanced over the recent years the use of ruggedised laptops in the tactical environment has largely been replaced with tablets and smart phone data entry devices, reducing size and weight. Many of these devices work on the Android Operating System (OS) allowing for application based functionality. Until recently Bracer™ Situational Awareness software was only compatible with Windows OS. This was constraining users to visualise tracking feeds at HQs or in vehicles or alternatively meaning that they would have to carry heavier/bulkier data devices in the field.
QinetiQ have now developed the Bracer™ Android software. This simple to use application outputs in both Cursor on Target (CoT) and .kml format to allow for position reports to be overlaid in 3rd party Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) such as Google Earth, ATAK etc.
The Bracer™ Position Location Information (PLI) reporting is a broadcast service where the handset is the transmission and receive device. This means that every handset in a talkgroup can be set to receive PLI from all handsets in the same talkgroup. By simply tethering a data entry device (Android, Windows) running the Bracer Situational Awareness Software and a compatible Geospatial Information System (i.e. mapping) the PLI feeds can be overlaid as ICONs on a map, visualising troop disposition. This differs from many Situational Awareness tools/systems, which require a separate communications link to a central web server to pull positional reports from. This provides the ability for users to have visibility of the position picture in the Tactical domain whilst maintaining agility. Each Bracer™ handset can pull positional information from the talkgroup on demand as well as each device pushing information on a regular basis. Therefore updates can be obtained on request at the touch of a button. This enables beyond line of sight, very low latency Bracer™ PLI distribution and associated situational awareness, especially when fused with other data feeds from primary and alternate tactical systems (e.g. Mobile Adhoc Network (MANET) radios, drone feeds and intelligence reports).
Developing the Bracer™ Android software will reduce the size and weight of equipment required on the foot user, but it also has the same impact for users working in vehicles, air and maritime platforms. In all cases it means not having to use/carry a bespoke data entry device, especially if the user has an existing system already fitted or used within the platform.
Since joining industry and looking at defence from an external view, plus gaining experience through engaging with many international defence organisations it is easy to see many common themes. Budget underpins everything and money is constrained due to multiple reasons, many of which have materialised over the recent years. Secondly are the pressures on limited human resources to process requirements. Then thirdly are the complex, convoluted and lengthy procurement processes. The three of these combined drives prioritisation and focus. In parallel the nature of warfare and conflict is constantly changing, where getting ahead of the changes, in order to be prepared, is almost an unachievable utopia. When discussing with officers and soldiers across the world I have come to learn that some tactics and procedures haven’t changed in over half a century and although the beast of defence procurement is working hard, the technology required on the battlefield is often decades behind what is needed to win the battles. The need to communicate is essential to support and coordinate forces. As part of this is a true understanding of the state and positions of formations and personnel, which is critical to informing current and future operational plans. More importantly is the need to pass and receive information in the ‘here and now’ active battle zone.
As a system Bracer™ addresses the three common issues in that it is a low cost system, it is simple to purchase as an off the shelf capability and most importantly is its flexibility of use to address the changing dynamics of warfare and conflict. As a technological chameleon it plugs many gaps! Effective, robust, reliable and simple it can reduce deficiencies and give the needed edge to achieving success.
Bracer™ can and is utilised in many roles across PACE to meet a multitude of needs, from military exercises and tactical operations to adventurous training expeditions, from Search and Rescue to Border Force patrols. All of which have similar demands. Lightweight at 450g with a power-scavenging feature so it can recharge in the field using a multitude of power sources, reducing the weight from carrying additional batteries. The antenna systems that can be used with the handset are small (from thumb size magnetic mounted or patch antennas). It is simple to use, robust and highly effective. Many of our users regard the system as ‘Game Changing’, especially where their primary systems are often not conducive or fit for purpose for the roles they are asked to prosecute. Adding Android compatibility offers the users desired choice and flexibility. All of which aids to achieving successful outcomes on operations.
To find out more about Bracer, email us at customersupport@qinetiq.com
