3 Reasons to Integrate a Secondary APNT Solution into Your GPS-Reliant Operations
Discover why you should integrate a secondary APNT solution into your GPS-Reliant operations and how NAL Research can help.
December 10, 2024
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In a world where global communications are increasingly critical, only one company connects everyone to the things that matter most, from pole to pole. Powered by a uniquely sophisticated global constellation of 66 cross-linked Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, the Iridium network provides high-quality voice and data connections over the planet’s entire surface, including across oceans, airways, and polar regions.
Track the location of Iridium’s satellites for yourself and see how truly global coverage is attained.
In early 2019, Iridium completely replaced the first-generation Iridium constellation. For our customers, this brand new network with its unparalleled coverage and high dependability means they can rely on their critical communication lifelines to work when they need them most – anywhere
NAL Research is a Tier I Iridium Value Added Reseller (VAR) providing airtime and data services. These include Circuit Switched Data (CSD), Router-based Unrestricted Digital Internetworking Connectivity Solutions (RUDICS), and Short Burst Data (SBD). To learn more about the Narrowband and Certus airtime services we offer to both commercial and U.S. Government/DoD customers, click below.
Autonomous Ground SensorNAL Research participated in an unattended ground sensor program by implementing the Iridium data communication solution to meet shortfalls in the relay of time sensitive information. The package includes sensors, an aerodynamic delivery body, a ground-brake subsystem and NAL Research’s Iridium data modem to provide real-time, two-way global communications capability. The modified NAL Research’s Iridium data modems withstood the impact of an air launched at 10,000 feet and continued to relay sensor data after hitting the ground.
NAL Research’s 9601-DGS satellite tracker was used for the first time to monitor a vehicle during the 2006 Tecate SCORE Baja 500 Race down in the Mexico Baja Peninsula. It is inarguably the world’s most intense off-road race known as the “roughest run under the sun.” The 9601-DGS was mounted on a vehicle’s exterior frame and transmitted back real-time location information to a command/control center every ten seconds during the entire grueling 1,000 mile race. The 9601-DGS survived 17 hours of constant pounding over rough and remote terrain.
Light Armor VehiclesNAL Research’s 9601-DGSM satellite trackers are used to monitor fleets of light armor vehicles by the Department of Defense. They are installed inside each vehicle to relay real-time, encrypted location information to mobile and fixed command and control centers. The tracker can also be removed and used as a personal emergency beacon.
NAL Research has developed an Iridium Airborne Data Communication System (ADCS) for the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) to be used on platforms such as the HC-130H, HU25A/C/D, C-130J, HH-60J, and HH-65B/C, and potentially the VC-37A, VUAV and MH-68A. The ADCS will enhance flight safety, increase Maritime Domain Awareness and benefit the entire range of USCG mission areas by providing command and control centers with a near real-time force lay down picture and more efficient air asset management.
ARM/UAV ProgramThe U.S. Department of Energy is funding the ARM-UAV program to study radiation/cloud interactions in atmosphere of the Earth. An important aspect of the program is the use of high altitude manned and unmanned airplanes as airborne instrumentation platforms. The Scaled Composites Proteus airplane shown here is capable of extended flight of well over 20 hours and at altitudes above 50,000 feet, making it possible to take continuous measurements with a set of well-calibrated instruments above the troposphere. NAL Research’s Iridium multi-channel data modems, installed inside a pod under the Proteus, are used to command/control onboard instruments by the ground mission controller. In addition, instrument health and status data files are also relayed in real-time via Iridium satellite link to the mission controller.
NAL Research’s 9601-DGS satellite trackers are used to monitor fleets of Apache and Chinook helicopters by the Department of Defence. They are installed inside the cockpit of each helicopter to relay real-time, encrypted location information to mobile and fixed command and control centers. The tracker can also be removed and used as an emergency beacon by downed crews for search and rescue purposes.
Autonomous Underwater VehicleAutonomous underwater vehicles are used to gather and record undersea conditions such as temperature, salinity and currents. The University of Washington’s Sea Glider, which resembles a torpedo with wings, cruises underwater and rises to the surface at pre-programmed intervals to transmit the recorded data and accept new instructions through the NAL Research’s Iridium modem. The gliders can remain operational for up to seven months on primary battery power.
Data Communication SystemNAL Research’s A3LA-DAC satellite trackers are used by the U.S. Coast Guard allowing ships to communicate in real-time with command centers. The A3LA-DAC’s firmware was modified to accept the KIV7 encryption module. The same tracker is used by the U.S. Navy to relay encrypted data from tethered buoys.
Deep Ocean AssessmentThe U.S. Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Data Center is deploying a new system of ocean buoys that detects and monitors tsunami waves in the open ocean using Iridium satellite data links. This new, second-generation Deep Ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis (DART II) system consists of pressure-sensitive tsunameters on the seafloor, and buoys on the ocean surface. The buoys are equipped with an acoustic modem that receives data from the tsunameter sensors and a ruggedized NAL Research’s A3LA data modem to transmit the pressure measurements. Using this data, scientists can issue timely warnings to areas that may be affected.
Autonomous Underwater VehicleAutonomous underwater vehicles are used to gather and record undersea conditions such as temperature, salinity and currents. The University of Washington’s Sea Glider, which resembles a torpedo with wings, cruises underwater and rises to the surface at pre-programmed intervals to transmit the recorded data and accept new instructions through the NAL Research’s Iridium modem. The gliders can remain operational for up to seven months on primary battery power.
Data Communication SystemNAL Research’s A3LA-DAC satellite trackers are used by the U.S. Coast Guard allowing ships to communicate in real-time with command centers. The A3LA-DAC’s firmware was modified to accept the KIV7 encryption module. The same tracker is used by the U.S. Navy to relay encrypted data from tethered buoys.
Deep Ocean AssessmentThe U.S. Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Data Center is deploying a new system of ocean buoys that detects and monitors tsunami waves in the open ocean using Iridium satellite data links. This new, second-generation Deep Ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis (DART II) system consists of pressure-sensitive tsunameters on the seafloor, and buoys on the ocean surface. The buoys are equipped with an acoustic modem that receives data from the tsunameter sensors and a ruggedized NAL Research’s A3LA data modem to transmit the pressure measurements. Using this data, scientists can issue timely warnings to areas that may be affected.
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Discover why you should integrate a secondary APNT solution into your GPS-Reliant operations and how NAL Research can help.
In September, over 200 participants representing 20 countries met in Andøya, Norway for Jammertest, an annual event allowing public and private sectors to test the
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