AVS Will Unveil New Tactical Talker™ Handset Design Platforms At Winter AUSA
Announcement of New H250 Replacement Follows Field Tests of Concept Units by Military and Industry. Basic Platform Refined to Reflect Results.
February 24, 2010, Fort Lauderdale, Fla – Accusonic Voice systems will demonstrate four different pre-production versions of the new Tactical Talker Universal Handset at the AUSA Winter Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on February 24, 2010.The units, which are derived from the concept prototype introduced at last year’s conference, incorporate mission related features and scaling metrics identified during field tests conducted by potential users over the past year. Tactical Talker is a lightweight, universal handset that offers multi platform radio connectivity and rapid tactical network access in a lightweight, man wearable enclosure. It is designed to replace existing conventional radio specific handsets including the popular H-250.
Lighter and Smaller than H250
The unit’s suitability as a single replacement for a number of conventional units is mainly a factor of its combined ergonomic and performance advantages. Already lighter and smaller than other handsets, the Tactical Talker’s open platform architecture allows it to be custom configured to specific mission requirements if desired.
In addition, the units electro-acoustic design affords a level of signal intelligibility that is significantly superior to older units in the field. This feature alone can be critical to the warfighter’s rapid response in the noise that is characteristic of today’s harsh combat environments.
Moreover, the Tactical Talker’s inherent flexibility allows it to be used interchangeably with all existing field radios, overcoming the need to carry multiple conventional handsets in order to interface with tactical radios operating at different frequencies.
Upon its introduction last year, the unit received immediate interest from several radio manufacturers and military sources, and has since undergone several design changes following an intense year of field trials.
As a result, the smallest design is now 30 percent smaller and 20 percent lighter than when it was introduced, and the overall platform is now being marketed in four different configurations rather than the single fully-equipped design that was originally envisioned.
With the exception of the smallest unit, the handset design also retains a number of the situational awareness features envisioned as part of the original concept, extending its overall usefulness to the warfighter.
Four Versions Displayed
The four units on display at AUSA will range from a “mini” version, which measures less than four inches in length and weighs under a pound, to two slightly larger versions, which can incorporate added features , and a full size version that is roughly comparable to the size of the standard H-250.
Because of its size, the mini handset will be a stripped-down version, capable of radio interconnect only. The other units will be equipped with different combinations of dual or single PTT’s, a gain control knob, and a separate earpiece.
All units are made of highly durable polycarbonate and have water submersible tolerance of up to two meters, helping to assure survivable performance even in the most adverse weather conditions.
For the sake of operator convenience, the handset attaches easily to a belt or vest via a rear mounted clip and can be used with gloved hands for unobtrusive field operations. The unit also has a recessed push-to-talk switch mounted on the side of the handset opposite a guarded control switch.
Depending on customer specification, fully equipped units can include a number of additional acoustic and ergonomic features for enhanced situational awareness.
Tactical Talker is MIL-STD-810 tested and certified, and can be TEMPEST qualified with different radio systems. The handset also meets the environmental and performance requirements of MIL-PRF-49078.
More than a Handset
Commenting on the announcement, AVS President Anthony Mazzeo said, “ The fully equipped Tactical Talker is more than just a handset, because it does more than just provide voice communication. When you combine universal radio access with the other situational awareness features, it literally multiplies the effectiveness of the warfighter by giving him a handset that is better suited to the specific requirements of his mission, both ergonomically and functionally.”
Accusonic Voice Systems is a Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business Manufacturer of acoustic devices and components located in Bay Shore, New York. The company designs, manufactures and tests a wide range of rugged, man wearable and ergonomically scaled voice communication products for mission specific military applications.
AVS is owned by Global Market Development, Inc, a company with a longstanding history in the development of tactical communications equipment for military, law enforcement and first responder applications.
