More people, and more radios, computers, displays, navigation systems, remote weapons stations plus tactical intercom systems tell us that Size Really Does Matter on Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs), Amphibious Combat Vehicles (ACVs), Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) and Main Battle Tanks (MBTs). Questions abound about such issues as where to put all the gear (and people that need access to it), and how to integrate so much high tech equipment and increased power consumption needs.
Read the following when you’re considering a tactical vehicle intercom system.
1. Integration
Select a system with an open interface that will, in the long run, save you time, money and resources. An Ethernet-based intercom system for your crew will provide the back-bone of the communications network for your digital gear. Adding a new radio (whether digital or analog), sensor, display, or speaker is easier when you can plug in a new module and the integration is completed via a software controlled interface. Interference-free communications is ensured.
2. Physical Positioning
Consider that operators need physical access to many tactical systems and, thus, at issue is the placement and integration of sensor systems, battle management capabilities, weapon and communication systems, and radios. The integration of all these systems becomes paramount and competition for physical real estate inside the cabin becomes even more problematic.
With the new generation of vehicle intercom systems more physical positioning options are available than ever before compared to traditional onboard communication systems. New modular designed intercom systems are controlled by a variety of user interfaces worn by personnel, use standardized mounting points, are scalable, and easy to upgrade.
3. Footprint
Video displays for battle management and C4i systems tend to be large, and eat up a big portion of the available real estate inside the cabins of vehicles leaving few space options for other important systems. Here, having a tactical vehicle intercom solution with a small footprint, plus an easy installation, becomes a distinct advantage.
4. Power Consumption
The total power requirements of systems deployed on tactical vehicles today are starting to reach the limit of power generation capabilities of these vehicles. This again sets limits to what systems actually can be deployed on certain tactical vehicles.
Typically, a vehicle intercom system is very energy efficient. Each watt of saved powert will be a benefit, if not today, but tomorrow when adding even more capabilities to the same platform.
In summary, here are the features you should look for in choosing a tactical vehicle intercom system:
- Controlled by a variety of interfaces worn by personnest
- Standardized mounting points
- Low power consumption
- Easy to integrate, scale and upgrade
- Competitively priced
Be sure to visit Savox at the upcoming DSEI tradeshow, September 15-18 at Stand N5-442,.