The goal of Secure Wireless Communications is to provide controlled access to classified or controlled unclassified information (CUI) over any RF transport in the field - between vehicles and end-users alike.
Curtiss-Wright’s PacStar business unit has pioneered the tactical implementation of secure wireless communication solutions on small form factor hardware – leveraging NSA approved commercial components ideally suited for meshing vehicle-to vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-EUD (V2E) for mounted (on-platform) and dismounted (off-platform) end-user devices (EUD). These solutions are designed to support voice, video, and data for C2 communications and have been optimized for size, weight, and power (SWaP) to fit within the limited spaces onboard vehicle platforms. These secure wireless solutions are transport agnostic and compatible with Wi-Fi and VPN encryption components – making it possible to eliminate the need for external Type1 cryptographic equipment and controlled key material.
Using properly configured, layered commercial technologies to correctly implement secure wireless communication promises multiple benefits including true mobility and maneuverability for both mounted and dismounted EUDs.
As an example, providing secured wireless local area network (WLAN) services inside vehicles and vehicle-mounted shelters – while simultaneously providing communications between vehicles over wireless mesh networks – will dramatically reduce (if not eliminate) setup time over current “mobile” command post deployments involving the installation of thousands of feet of networking cable and “physical” network infrastructure to interconnect vehicles and/or tents.
Utilizing Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) architectures makes it possible to wirelessly interconnect vehicles and host secure WLAN service from vehicle platforms for various EUDs – such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, soldier wearables, IVAS goggles, etc. – to enable various use-cases for classified, unclassified, and/or coalition partner networks, such as: augmented reality (AR), mobile command and control, wireless intercom, condition-based maintenance (CBM) offload, ISR collection, and dissemination, etc.
As seen in the commercial market, implementing WLAN communication (securely) will open the door for innovative solutions to existing and future operational challenges.