Black Watch

Portman Security Systems Ltd., a manufacturer of GPS tracking devices, recently announced its Weapons Intelligent Tracking Systems (WITS). A firearms and body armor GPS tracking system, WITS employs GPS/RF and GPRS functionality all in one system for law enforcement and military applications. The addition is made to a line of tracking devices Portman has been producing for years, widening the capabilities in the GPS tracking industry.

The WITS system can sense traumatic bullet impact to the officer’s personal body armor, knows when a weapon has been drawn and discharged, and knows the number of rounds fired and the trajectory of projectiles, as well as hears hostile fire in close proximity to them. Furthermore, the device has an intelligent interface capable of detecting whether shots are incoming or outgoing. This information is instantly transmitted to the central monitoring station, headquarters or a dispatcher for immediate response, reports and analysis.

With Portman’s unique WITS system, officers don’t even have to key their microphone to notify that they have been hit or involved in a firefight. Event, ID and location, as well as vital data about the incident, are transmitted immediately to the control server. Future reports can easily be generated by the server to recreate the details of an incident where firearms are involved, eliminating discrepancies in reports.

This system is designed to save the lives and protect our dedicated men and women in military or law enforcement agencies. WITS also provides an accurate GPS location system with mapping and real-time tracking, offering automated alert and response faster than humanly possible in a life or death situation. In the case that an individual is incapacitated or unable to communicate, the system will inform the agency of their situation. If the weapon leaves the proximity of the individual, an emergency event is also immediately sent to the dispatcher. Real-time tracking is also available to assist in the recovery of a weapon configured with WITS technology.

Light All Terrain Vehicle

Phoenix International Systems Inc. has unveiled an enhanced version of its All Terrain Vehicle Corp. division’s Prowler light tactical all terrain vehicle (LTATV), the only vehicle in the LTATV class purpose built, designed and produced for military applications including ISR, SAR, assault, crew served weapon mobility, perimeter patrol and logistic support.

These enhancements upgrade Prowler’s already established reputation for the highest performance in the field, delivering more power, greater stability and seamless operation in any climate or at any altitude. The new Prowler is 30 percent more powerful, featuring a digital control fuel injected 750cc SOHC 4-valve V-twin engine, the most powerful in the LTATV class.

“The new Prowler amplifies the advantages—unmatched reliability, stability, speed, endurance, power, all terrain mobility and operator protection—of the current version Prowler. And the Prowler is still the only LTATV platform designed specifically for military purposes and applications rather than simply a modified recreational vehicle,” said Amos Deacon, Phoenix International’s CEO.

“Also, like the current Prowler platform, which has been the preferred choice of military operators in both the U.S. and internationally, the new Prowler continues to be the only LTATV platform specifically designed and dimensioned to be a true Internally Transportable Vehicle (ITV) without modification or adjustment,” Deacon added. Built from rugged and durable chromalloy steel tubular construction, it includes a convertible roll over protection system. The Prowler is deployable in CH-46, 47 and 53 series helos, and CV-22 aircraft.

Battery and Display Improvements

Trimble recently announced the release of an improved Trimble Recon outdoor rugged handheld computer, featuring a new display and a PowerBoot Module with increased battery capacity, longer battery life and shorter charging time.

The improved Recon features an increase in battery capacity from 3,800 mAh to 4,000 mAh, with appreciably shorter charging time. A new charge termination feature ends the charging cycle when the battery is at full capacity, preventing overcharging and prolonging the battery’s life. The new PowerBoot Module also reduces battery memory effect, making it an ideal choice for field professionals who require frequent recharges.

The Recon’s new high-resolution, sunlightvisible QVGA display shows graphics and maps in crisp detail even in the brightest outdoor environments.

“These improvements to the Recon increase its practical usability and versatility in the field,” said Rob Davis, director of sales and marketing for Tripod Data Systems (TDS), a Trimble company. “The upgraded Recon is ideal when users need shorter charging times or want to leave the Recon on a charger until needed, without worrying about shortening the battery lifespan. And the new display makes the Recon even more ideal for outdoor use.”

The price for the improved Recon will not increase. TDS will offer a bundle for existing Recon users wishing to upgrade to the new extended capacity battery. This bundle will include an international charger that meets the new battery’s increased voltage requirement. Recon owners currently using an international charger will be able to upgrade the battery only.

The Recon is designed for all-day operation in extreme outdoor and industrial environments. It meets MIL-STD-810F military standards for drops, vibration and temperature extremes. Impervious to water and dust, it carries an IP67 rating. The Recon’s rugged construction makes it ideal for public safety, field service, utilities, military and other outdoor or service-related applications. It weighs just 17 ounces, and its rounded edges provide a comfortable grip.

The Recon runs Windows Mobile 6, providing persistent storage to keep data secure, and an array of familiar programs such as Word Mobile, Excel Mobile and PowerPoint Mobile. The Recon also offers optional integrated Bluetooth and 802.11g wireless, a 200- or 400-MHz Intel XScale processor, 64 MB of SDRAM and up to 256 MB of internal nonvolatile Flash storage. It also features two CompactFlash slots plus a standard nine-pin serial port and a highspeed USB port for connecting to a PC. ♦

* Compiled by KMI Media Group staff