GD300 Android GPS and Wearable Tactical Computer

Gungho Cowboy

05 Aug 2010

Do you want to wait for a dummy version of this like the Garmin GPS FX01 dummy that can be found at eBaybanned? The GD300 made by General Dynamics Itronix is an Android-based wearable computer that acts as a GPS device for the individual soldier. When it is connected to a JTRS ready Rifleman radio can access a tactical network and is configured for night vision goggles for easy reading during nightime. Its is a touch screen unit that uses a resistive screen rather than capacitive screens that you see in many smartphones nowadays such as those Android and iPhone smartphones.

This will work properly with a JTRS unit as the next generation radio unit does not only carry voice, but also data with its Wideband Networking Software for MANETs or mobile adhoc networks. MANETS in the usual civilian parlance, is like a mobile wifi network that works with units that have the proper encryption codes. On the radio part, the JTRS can work with existing civilian and military radios. So hooking up the GD300 with the JTRS radio, it can act as a tactical computer, enabling soldiers to coordinate and collaborate properly while on the move. It can also be used with the Tactical Ground Reporting System (TIGR).

Would it be useful for airsoft? Of course, but then you'll need access to JTRS units which are still delayed and will mainly be for real world military applications which will see deployment after 2010. It will take sometime for this to reach the civilian market, which will be years, while the military moves on to newer battlefield communications technologies.

But do not lose hope as there is AN ACTUAL alternative for airsoft milsims that is already in use since last year and Optimus Prime had already seen it in action in the field. Made by the Hungarian company Battletac, it uses GPS technology to track and coordinate units. With the Commander unit, you can command units while on the move in real time by tapping commands on the screen or use it with a civilian radio such as the PMR or FRS radios to bark commands to friendly units. With Windows CE 5.0 as its underlying operating system, it can also be used as car SATNAV, and as a multimedia player. So if not in use for airsoft, just plugin your earphone and go rock and roll so it has some coolness factor.

The Battletac technology has one issue, and that is it relies on GPRS/3G connections rather than MANETS to monitor units. But if Battletac can easily resolve this if they can have a MIFI router (mobile wifi hotspot) as there are off-the-shelf products that can be used. If the MIFI device can extend its range then proper coordination can be done as you can connect several units to it. A Battletac network can work properly if there's adequate mobile broadband coverage in the skirmish area while GD300 does not. So it's better than nothing.

You can read RuggedPC Review story on the GD300 here.

Press release from General Dynamics via PRNewswire below:

SUNRISE, Fla., Aug. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Combining commercial global positioning and communications technology with battlefield-rugged computing, General Dynamics Itronix is introducing the GD300 fully rugged arm- or chest-worn computer. Weighing less than 8 ounces, the Android™-based GD300 operates like an ultra-sensitive commercial GPS unit or, with the click of a cable, interfaces with tactical radios like the Rifleman Radio (AN/PRC-154) for secure access to the tactical network. The GD300 uses a quadra-helix antenna for real-time global positioning that defies interference even when the user is positioned in mountainous regions or urban environments.

"The GD300 is a game-changing computer that will save lives," said Mike DiBiase, vice president of Computing Technologies for General Dynamics C4 Systems. "We expect the GD300 will become the most important 8 ounces of tactical communications and situational awareness equipment that a warfighter can carry."

The GD300 hosts the open architecture, Android™-based operating system to easily accommodate current and emerging applications for warfighters at all command levels. Operating in two distinct modes, the GD300 serves as a stand-alone GPS device or, when connected to a tactical radio, performs as a tactical mission computer. The GD300 supports commercially available standalone applications or military "apps" like the Tactical Ground Reporting (TIGR) System which is currently in use by the military.

When connected to a tactical radio, the lightweight GD300 enables warfighters to securely communicate, share information and collaborate while on the move. Delivering up to eight hours of continuous operation, the lightweight GD300 is powered by standard lithium-ion batteries.

Reginald Daniels, an engineer for the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory responsible for testing military wearable computers, said, "Given that the dismounted warfighter's job is not a computer operator, it is imperative that wearable computers be unobtrusive, intuitive to operate and provide compute-on-the-go functions."

The GD300's sleek ergonomic design was the result of input and feedback from wearable-computer users from the military, government and emergency first responders. The GD300 includes a sunlight readable display and functional control buttons typically found on any Android-based device. The 3.5-inch touch-screen display lets warfighters move information around, zoom in or out or place digital 'markers' on tactical maps with the touch of a gloved finger. Comfortably fitting in an adult's hand, the computer fully meets MIL-STD 810G specifications for ruggedness.

General Dynamics Itronix is a leading developer of wireless, rugged computing solutions for mobile workers, offering a full range of field computing systems including laptops, ultra mobile notebook PCs and tablet PCs. The company is part of General Dynamics C4 Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD).

General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 91,200 people worldwide. The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies. More information about General Dynamics is available online at www.gd.com.

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