The Defense Innovation Unit has collaborated with the U.S. Coast Guard and a private company to develop a wireless communication technology for maritime operations under the Wireless Crew project.
The collaborative effort selected Denmark’s INVISIO in June 2022 to prototype communications equipment that can be deployed in various operational settings, DIU said Monday. INVISIO advanced the hardware and met government requirements by incorporating input from several operational uses and challenges during the prototyping process.
Technology Testing and Evaluation
The USCG then conducted a final operational test and evaluation of the Wireless Crew system in early November in Portsmouth, Virginia. During the test, the equipment was assessed using different real-world and training scenarios to validate its multi-mission functionality.
The result is a system that is intended to provide reliable communication under extreme conditions and enhance situational awareness, operational efficiency and crew safety during challenging missions, according to USCG Operations Specialist Chief Petty Officer Eric Wells.
System Attributes
USCG Boatswain’s Mate Chief Petty Officer William Campbell added that the capability features a modern user interface and excellent battery life, ensuring that it will provide sustained communication excellence to crews for an extended time.
DIU noted that the Wireless Crew project’s success proved that partnership is critical to prototype and deliver cutting-edge technology that can be produced immediately.
