31 Oct 11. IndiComm Global Ltd, the Lincolnshire (UK), based advanced communication specialist, announces that it has successfully completed the installation of their mobile microwave system (MMU) for the Central Shooting Range (CSR) on behalf of the Ministry of Military Production in Egypt.
The fully operational system transmits live images, data / telemetry from the target area of a firing range some 40km in length using state of the art microwave technology. As the target area is not visible from the firing point the telemetry links were important in order for the command centre to be able to have control over images received. Imagery of projectile dispersion patterns amongst other data is transmitted to the command centre where it can be viewed live.
The MMU is unique in its design as it is a completely mobile system mounted on vehicles and was designed to be rapidly deployable. No equipment can be left unattended on the range when it is not in use so mobility was a critical factor in its design. In addition the system is robust, withstanding the tough terrain and desert conditions on site. All imagery collected via the PTZ and high speed cameras can be recorded either on the vehicle or back at the command centre.
The MMU proves the concept of a fully mobile rapidly deployable long range microwave link and the system is expected to be used in conjunction with other technologies in order for the CSR to demonstrate a full spectrum of ballistics testing for their international clients.
Contracted by the Egypt’s MMP in 2010, IndiComm’s task was to develop a range surveillance, measurement and control system for their Central Shooting Range (CSR) near Cairo in order to help ordinance development and provide accurate dispersement data. The system was required to transmit live images, data and also telemetry accurately, safely and fast over a firing range of 40km in length using state-of-the-art wireless technology.
“We were very happy to work on such a bespoke contract. Due to delays caused by the regime change in Egypt the system developed even further before the final installation. We were able to add extra functionality and we are happy to say that the client was thrilled with the system as it exceeded their expectations.” said Steve Jones, of IndiComm.
As the target area is not visible from the firing point, telemetry links were important element in order for the command centre to be able to have some control over imagery received. In addition, the system had to comprise mobile units as no equipment was to be left unattended on the range while not in use.
Due to the distances involved, with no direct line-of-sight from one end of the range to the other, IndiComm’s solution was a system developed around 3 mobile modules using L&S band as the most appropriate bands for that area (system frequencies are flexible dependent on location and client requirements).
The system consists of the following:
* A mobile unit at the target area with a high-speed camera and CCTV/PTZ IR camera system which can be controlled from the command centre. This system can be mounted on any vehicle.
* An MMU repeater module to be deployed on the ridge, which runs perpendicular to the range around the midpoint; and
* A receiver module at the command centre to receive and distribute imagery and data as required.
All imagery collected via the CCTV and high-speed cameras can be recorded either on the vehicle or at the command centre.
Training on the system took place at IndiComm’s Louth facility in January and once installation at the CSR is complete, the range should be fully operational by the beginning of March 2011.
Upgrades to the system currently being discussed include the additional facilities of Wi-Fi II cloud, weather data collection/transmission and flight follower system.