Thesis Topic:
Ultra-Lightweight ManPack Sized Communications Fly-Away Kit (FLAK) Integration and Optimization for HA/DR, SSTR, and Surveillance/Targeting.

Description:
Partner with industry system integrators or startups to build a hardened suite of 100% mobile/portable/airline luggage checkable flyaway kits that are affordable and capable of providing voice, data, video, and collaboration tool sets including Situational Awareness (SA) and a Common Operating Picture (COP) via Internet Protocol (IP based) communications. The suite should include the latest released technologies (listed below) as well as some that are "bleeding edge" (such as Ultra Wideband).

• WiFi (802.11a/b/g)
• WiMAX (802.16)
• SATCOM (VSAT, BGAN, KU, C, X, etc), inflatable or backpack carried
• Land Mobile Radio over IP (LMRoIP) to provide interoperability between UHF, VHF, FRS, 900 MHz, cellular, landline, laptop based voice comms
• Scalable from 1 - 100 sq. mile coverage
• Utilizing COTS/GOTS (Consumer Off The Shelf / Government Off The Shelf) products as much as possible
• Option for military grade encryption (US only) and no encryption (NGOs, etc.)
• Cellular on Wheels (CoW) but small enough to throw in a SUV and also to carry as airline luggage
• Packaged basic UHF repeater capability with multiple repeaters, portable antenna towers, etc.
• Multiple energy sources for self sufficient power ranging from fossil fuel (gas/diesel/hydrogen fuel cell) to renewable (solar, wind, hand/foot crank, x-fuel cell, thermal, etc.)
• ALL component pieces to weigh less than 100 pounds for airline luggage option
• Mini UAV and UGV systems to expand WiFi mesh
• Have as one option the ability to fit ALL components into a standard off-the-lot Hummer or SUV

NPS Point of Contact:
Brian Steckler, Scott McKenzie

Email:
steckler@nps.edu

Sponsor:
TBD