Commanders want better information to make faster decisions, and the Fischer KEYSTONE™ 6-port tactical hub helps soldiers and commanders stay connected. Since the successful launch of KEYSTONE in March 2023, Fischer Connectors has expanded the cable assembly portfolio to enhance the interoperability and integration capabilities of soldier-worn C4ISR communications and digital devices connected to battlefield management systems.
“Our R&D is accelerating the development of the Fischer KEYSTONE cable assembly line-up to provide military OEM design engineers with a versatile toolbox,” explains Olivier Thormann, Product Manager for Fischer KEYSTONE. “The goal is to get our customer needs covered, making our made-in-Europe solution even more competitive in terms of performance, reliability, and pricing. Versatility, compatibility and interoperability are key here.”
Designed to and compatible with Next Generation Hub (NGH) standards, Fischer KEYSTONE gives an easy way to manage the flows of data (USB 2.0 and SMBus) and power (100 W – 5 A max) between sights, sensors, night vision devices, radios and digital equipment.
| The Fischer KEYSTONE™ Tactical Hub connects soldier digital equipment to manage the flows of data and power efficiently and easily.
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The newly extended KEYSTONE cable assembly portfolio now comprises 16 cables intermateable with Nett Warrior and NATO STANAG 4695/4851 interfaces, including five options for specific applications and devices: three radio cables for L3 Harris, Silvus and Bittium, and two device cables for Safran Vectronix’s target acquisition system, the MOSKITO TI target locator and the STERNA True North Finder.
The multi-purpose target locator MOSKITO TI uses a KEYSTONE cable with an RS-232 converter. Powered by a single battery, when connected to KEYSTONE, the device’s operating time can be significantly increased, transferring its data seamlessly through the hub to the EUD.
Another example of a device that connects easily to KEYSTONE is the augmented reality head-up display (HUD) system ARC4 RECON developed by Applied Research Associates (ARA). ARC4 delivers routes, friendly positions, checkpoints, aircraft locations, and targets right to operators’ night vision goggles.
“Reliable, simple, does what it’s expected to do: that’s the usual feedback we receive from customers who have field-tested Fischer KEYSTONE,” confirms Thormann. “Soldiers already know how to use it – they clip it on, plug it in, and it just works.”
More extensions to the Fischer KEYSTONE tactical connectivity solution are on the busy agenda of the Swiss-based company’s R&D. The next KEYSTONE hub – Fischer KEYSTONE™ 4 – is a 4-port hub designed for soldiers who need basic power and data connections for certain critical missions. KEYSTONE 4 has already been previewed this year at defense trade shows DSEI and AUSA alongside KEYSTONE 6. It will also be showcased on Fischer Connectors stand 5 L 085 at Milipol, the international event for homeland security and safety taking place in Paris, France, from 14 to 17 November 2023.
| The current cable assembly portfolio of Fischer KEYSTONE™ comprises 16 cables that meet a versatile array of data and power needs: 9 general purpose and power cables incl. USB 2.0., RS-232 converter, RJ45 and w/DB9 connectors; 3 radio cables (Silvus, Bittium, L3 Harris); 2 EUD cables for USB-C power delivery and for EMI/RFI shielded connections in the widely-used Juggernaut case; and 2 device cables for Safran Vectronix’s target acquisition system comprising the MOSKITO TI target locator and the STERNA True North Finder. Photo: A few examples of cables/connectors developed for the Fischer KEYSTONE™ Tactical Hub, from top to bottom: plug-to-receptacle cable, plug-to-plug cable, plug-to-Juggernaut IMPCT cable, plug-to-RJ45 receptacle cable, plug-to-receptacle cable.
Designed to and compatible with Next Generation Hub (NGH) standards, Fischer KEYSTONE™ gives dismounted soldiers an easy way to manage the flows of data (USB 2.0 and SMBus) and power (100 W – 5 A max) between sights, sensors, night vision devices, radios and digital equipment.
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Fischer KEYSTONE™ hubs at Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI), 12-15 Sept. 2023. Above: ARC4 RECON augmented reality head-up display (HUD) system from Applied Research Associates (ARA). Below: MOSKITO TI target locator from Safran Vectronix.
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Tech Insights paper on drones and phones
To accompany the release of the expanded Fischer KEYSTONE cable portfolio, Fischer Connectors has published a Tech Insights paper from “The Connectivity Challenge” series entitled “Drones and phones: Connecting commercial technologies for tactical success”.The paper provides technical insights and use cases on how small, inexpensive hubs with the ability to connect phones, batteries, cameras, drone controllers, tactical radios and other digital equipment can convey significant advantages in the battlefield.