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2iC

User Examples

2iC digital interoperability software: solving real battlefield problems

Digital interoperability challenges exist across the battlespace and need to be solved to maximise technology and human capability. All can be addressed by 2iC software with its ability to digitally automate the exchange of mission-critical and actionable information between commanders, operators and equipment across land, sea and air.

Defence forces and their partners need to understand the potential. The use cases below provide an insight into the power of the 2iC digitised battlespace solution — all achieved through simple, rapid, cost-effective addition of 2iC software, with no need to invest in further equipment.

ATAK and the wider TAK ecosystem have become dominant in the deployed tactical military networks across the 5EYES nations and related civilian agencies. TAK offers great capability and was designed for small teams operating on relatively stable and reliable mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs).

Previously, it was not optimised for use over low-bandwidth bearers (such as satellite communications) or fractured networks (such as distributed teams on tactical radios). To address this, 2iC has developed rTAK, which adds reliable send/receive of chat messages and dynamic throttling of Situational Awareness (SA) traffic between TAK environments using the 2iC Gateway at its core.

rTAK enhances the TAK ecosystem by providing reliable communication, especially in low-bandwidth or fractured networks. It integrates seamlessly without stable connections or dedicated servers, ensuring efficient operation in Denied, Degraded, Intermittent, and Limited (DDIL) communications environments.

rTAK optimizes data filtering, transmitting only relevant information, and creates Centre of Mass overlays for team positioning. Its flexible setup works without different plugin files and integrates non-TAK devices, extending SA data reach to higher command levels and allied units, thereby improving overall situational awareness and the TAK experience.

Sharing video around the battlespace is an important capability. However, usually, this involves significant manual setup. To view a video source, a user needs to know the video exists and then the detailed configuration (e.g., IP address, port number, codec format, etc.). If they can find out all this, and then type it in correctly, then they might receive a feed.

If they want a different feed, they need to do it all again.

2iC’s innovative solution includes an ATAK plugin that automatically discovers video streams and populates the video player within the ATAK environment. Using either the 2iC Software Development Kit (SDK) or a user-interface, video sources can be digitally advertised.

This capability allows operators to seamlessly connect and view available video streams, such as those from Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). By automating and enhancing the user experience, 2iC’s software ensures that essential video feeds are easily accessible and efficiently managed, significantly improving situational awareness and decision-making capabilities on the battlefield.

2iC offers a bespoke service tailored to Unmanned Vehicle (UXV) Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). This service begins with an information blueprint, where 2iC summarizes usage scenarios, key information exchanges, information architectures, systems to be integrated, and the characteristics of communication bearers.

This comprehensive approach ensures that every aspect of UXV operations is meticulously planned and understood, forming a solid foundation for further enhancement and integration into the digital battlespace.

Following the blueprint, 2iC software significantly enhances UXV capabilities by enabling seamless integration into the wider battlespace as part of a coherent command chain. This includes dynamically sharing UXV status, payloads, sensors, and cameras with all relevant units, thereby enhancing situational awareness and operational coordination.

The software facilitates effective collaboration between mixed fleets of UXVs, crewed aircraft, ground personnel, and vehicles, ensuring that all components can work together efficiently and effectively in complex operational environments.

Moreover, 2iC’s solution simplifies the integration of differently sourced components on the UXV, reducing the integration cost and accelerating the future addition of new systems. This streamlined process allows for quick adaptation to new technologies and requirements, maintaining operational readiness and efficiency.

2iC software is integral to the Hyper Enhanced Awareness Kit (HEAK) Watch, a groundbreaking product in development with the United States Special Operations Command (US SOCOM).

HEAK equips soldiers with real-time situational data, allowing for the swift transmission and reception of mission-critical messages. This innovation reduces reliance on devices such as ATAK by centralising essential information on the operator’s wrist, thereby maximising attention during tactical manoeuvres.

The outcome is a more agile and informed soldier, capable of making rapid and safe decisions in dynamic environments.

At the core of HEAK is 2iC’s Lean Services, which support an open and infinitely expandable architecture. This design ensures seamless integration with additional systems, such as tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), thereby enhancing overall battlefield capabilities and awareness.

The 2iC software guarantees reliable transmission and reception of predefined common tactical messages, contributing to a cohesive and responsive operational framework that significantly boosts soldier effectiveness and situational awareness on the battlefield.