We (4K Solutions, LLC), had an existing contract for tactical communications power solutions already in-place that was to be placed in the LT-ATV. As the LT-ATV morphed in scope and capabilities, we met with the customer and Ferno Military Systems, located in Alpharetta, GA. Ferno Military Systems has had a long relationship with USSOCOM forces, DOD, and other US government agencies requiring rapid transitions from “concept” to “reality,” involving, design, prototyping, testing, and production. Ferno Military Systems was contracted to design the mounting solution using components from their Standard Series (IMS) Integrated Mounting System. The key to the design solution is that it allows the Rangers to rapidly install and deploy, or remove and relocate the antenna systems and other communications equipment on the vehicle platform. Ferno Military Systems designed and manufactured the front bumper mounting tray for the Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT), removable telescoping poles for X-wing antennas, removable LOS antenna mounts, monitor mounts, and a custom mounting plate located on the roof of the LT-ATV.
The LT-ATV required a robust dc battery power solution to run the VSAT terminal, baseband equipment and single-channel TacSat radios. Working with the various team members, we chose deep cell marine batteries that Ferno mounted in the cargo bed using custom battery mounting plates. Based on success in the US Army we selected a robust power supply solution. Ferno Military Systems fabricated and installed a quick change floor mount located between the driver and the passenger locations. The team at Ferno Military Systems had to react quickly and creatively in order to get all the pieces of the puzzle to fit in a short period of time.
While all of this was happening in Georgia, the DC power distribution system was being rapidly designed, tested and shipped down to Georgia. The robust power distribution system, when combined with the robust power supply system handles the high amperage requirements of the VSAT terminal and all the onboard communications systems. The Rangers are seeing 3-5 hours of battery run time before they must recharge the batteries. The small alternator of the Teryx prevented them from utilizing it to recharge the large marine deep cell batteries.
Additional capabilities were added to support ISR Full Motion Video feeds. A weatherproofed 21” LCD was custom mounted on the rear of the LT-ATV to allow key staff to view live ISR feeds being fed over the Rover 6 ISR receiver.
Custom mounted ISR Video LCD mounted on the
LT-ATV to view Rover6 video feeds.
A custom front mount tray capable of supporting a fully deployed VSAT terminal was designed and fielded across all of the vehicles.
The MV-22 Osprey’s small cargo area and steep ramp prevented the LT-ATV from maintaining its organic roof. Ferno designed a quick release solution to allow the LT-ATV to be quickly removed and installed with break-down pins. The Rangers are able to leverage the added “real-estate” of the roof using custom mounting plates for LOS and TacSat antennas.
The Ranger Regiment continues to adapt their fighting methodologies, tactics and techniques to face challenges around the globe. The Regimental Communications leadership’s adaptive approach allows them to be flexible to emerging requirements and is leaning forward in developing their next generation tactical mobile communications capabilities. Our two companies have been privileged to work on this project and look forward to supporting our customers in the future.
Ranger Battalion Signal Officer sending secure message traffic, on the Ranger
LT-ATV, over a TacSat radio.
Special Operations “ASSAULT COMMUNICATIONS”
75th Ranger Regiment Light Weight All-Terrain Vehicle (LT-ATV)
By David E. Theriault, CW2 (ret), (3d Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment OIF/OEF veteran), President 4K Solutions, LLC
About the author
David E. Theriault, Chief Warrant Officer 2 U.S. Army Retired, President and Founder of 4K Solutions, LLC, is the former Automated Information Systems Officer, 3d Ranger BN who has deployed on 6 Ranger combat rotations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He served in Special Operations units for almost 19 years.
About 4K Solutions, LLC
4K Solutions, LLC (www.4ksolutions.com), headquartered in Midland, Georgia brings over 20 years of Special Operations Communications leadership experience delivering direct critical communications support and consul on some of the most demanding “no-fail combat missions in the world. 4K Solutions specializes in providing Solutions Architecting, Value-Added Reseller, Business Development, IT Training and Professional Services, delivering key solutions, technologies and consulting that help you get your job done. Strength areas include Information Assurance and Tactical/Crisis Communications. Headquartered in Midland, Georgia, 4K is a certified Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), and combat veteran of OEF and OIF.
About Ferno Military Systems
Ferno Military Systems, Inc (www.fernomilitarysystems.com), headquartered in Alpharetta, GA Ferno is recognized as the global leader in the manufacturing and distribution of emergency patient-handling equipment, custom military and special operations and mortuary products and exports to more than 75 countries. For more information about Ferno please visit www.fernomilitarysystems.com.
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