US engineering firm Sherpa 6 and JMA Wireless have partnered to demonstrate a private 5G mobile network for US Army tactical applications at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
The activity focused on testing military applications and software with JMA’s 5G network to showcase the increase in operational efficiency for frontline troops.
During the event, JMA’s 5G standalone wireless capability was linked to the army’s MRZR vehicle-mounted Integrated Tactical Network (ITN). The connection reportedly resulted in reduced latency and increased bandwidth.
“Sherpa 6 is proud to support the critical DoD 5G Wireless cross-cutting mission set for networking and lethality,” Sherpa 6 CEO Joe Dames said.
“Based on our past success in facilitating the Army’s pivot to the ITN, we continue to bring industry-leading mission expertise and innovation to DoD 5G wireless initiatives to meet immediate and future warfighter needs.”
Connecting Soldiers Through 5G
The US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command led the event with the support of the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (OUSD).
Other capabilities showcased in the demonstration were machine learning algorithms, sensor-to-shooter applications, real-time tracking, and the Watchtower mobile device management solution.
“This program is funded to show edge computing capability for Joint All Domain C2/ITN Intelligent Nodes at the tactical edge… to perform manned-unmanned teaming and sensor-to-shooter operations,” OUSD 5G Tactical Applications Director Dilip Guha explained.
“Sherpa 6 knows what it means to serve and understands what soldiers need,” JMA Wireless General Manager Rishi Bhaskar added.
“Together, our 100 percent US-based team is making private 5G possible for those on the frontlines – connecting soldiers in ways and places that weren’t possible before.”