Persistent Systems Strengthens U.S. Military's C-JADC2 Network at Project Convergence-Capstone 5
Leveraging Mobile Ad Hoc Network Technology in Military Operations
Persistent Systems, LLC, renowned for its advanced mobile ad hoc network (MANET) technology, has successfully demonstrated its capabilities during the recent Project Convergence-Capstone 5 (PC-C5). Conducted under the auspices of the U.S. Army Futures Command, this experiment aimed to test and enhance the Combined Joint All-Domain Command-and-Control (C-JADC2) framework, which unifies military operations across different service branches and allied nations.
Enhancing Military Communication
Held on the West Coast and within the INDOPACOM theater, PC-C5 saw participation from various international military partners, including teams from Australia, Canada, France, Japan, and New Zealand. According to Brian Spurlock, Persistent’s Vice President of Growth and Strategy, the company successfully integrated its Wave Relay® MANET system with the Army's existing Mission Command applications. This integration aimed to improve connectivity among decision-makers, tactical teams, and systems operational within the battlefield.
Persistent's role primarily revolved around supporting combat formations with high-speed, reliable networking capabilities. For the army segment of the exercise, they provided the Wave Relay® that connected both armored units and dismounted soldiers—so much so that it was the first time M1A1 tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles were networked together with troops on the ground, thereby enhancing coordinated operations in a highly dynamic environment.
Spurlock highlighted the importance of rapid mobility and large-scale communications in military operations, especially in complex scenarios such as combined arms breaches. The Wave Relay® MANET ensured that communication fabric remained robust and adaptable, scaling from frontline units to higher command levels.
Accelerating Decision-Making Processes
Beyond providing support to the Army, Persistent contributed to the U.S. Air Force's operations by integrating its MANET-Cloud High Mobility Radio (MCHMR) into their battle management systems. The integration with TOC-L enabled the rapid transmission of radar data and high-bandwidth sensor information to ground-based Army units, which significantly sped up decision-making processes.
Adrien Robenhymer, VP of Air Force and Intelligence programs at Persistent, noted that this modernized approach to battle management departs from traditional, cumbersome legacy systems, paving the way for more effective military responses during operations.
Comprehensive Testing and Collaboration
Apart from the core objectives of PC-C5, Persistent also engaged in additional networking opportunities that showcased their versatile technology. This included collaboration with the Joint Chiefs of Staff’s J6 Directorate and utilizing the experiment as a technology risk-reduction platform for future exercises.
Furthermore, the company demonstrated its capacity to manage data integration from high-altitude balloons, successfully transmitting critical information back to Fort Irwin, which illustrates the practical deployment of their networking capabilities across dispersed operational areas.
Spurlock reaffirmed that at PC-C5, Persistent not only displayed that its networking technology is secure and scalable but also proved its alignment with the evolving requirements of the U.S. military's C-JADC2 vision.
A Leader in Mobile Networking Solutions
Founded in 2007, Persistent Systems has established itself as a prominent provider of mobile networking solutions tailored for military, government, and commercial applications. With a dedicated team engineering technologies such as Wave Relay® and Cloud Relay™, the company aims to facilitate effective communication, situational awareness, and operational readiness in challenging environments.
Persistent's ongoing commitment to innovation in mobile networking technologies reflects its crucial role in shaping modern military operations and reinforcing collaborative efforts across global defense forces. As the company continues to create synergy among various platforms and forces, it remains a pivotal player in advancing collective military capabilities.