Protective communications developer Genasys has received a $1.9-million contract to supply long-range acoustic devices (LRADs) to Vietnam.
The agreement covers the delivery of LRAD-500X-RE and 1000XI communication systems. Once delivered, the solutions will be integrated into several Vietnamese naval frigates.
The LRAD is a hailing device with a specialized loudspeaker to blast high-intensity sound. It is employed for wide-scale field communications, crowd control, border security, fire and rescue services, and critical infrastructure protection.
The LRADs included in the order are manually operated, providing scalable and non-kinetic communication capabilities with clear, long-range transmission.
“Since 2019, we’ve partnered with the Vietnam MOD, delivering top-of-the-line LRAD solutions to their Navy, Coast Guard, Army, and Border Guard,” Gensys Global Business Development VP David Schnell stated.
“Given the current geo-political tensions in the Asia-Pacific region, the addition of LRADs to Vietnam’s frigates will add significant capabilities to the vessels including ship self defense and the ability to de-escalate potentially dangerous situations before they expand.”
500X-RE and 1000XI LRADs
The 500X-RE is a compact, lightweight device that is transportable and mountable for fixed installations, mid-sized land vehicles, and surface vessels.
Meanwhile, the 1000XI is designed for larger applications, such as bases, ports, and territorial water security.
It incorporates a carbon fiber-made rugged emitter equipped with amplification, an MP3 control module for sustained playback of recorded messages, and an all-weather microphone for live broadcast scenarios.
Combining the 500X-RE and 1000XI allows users to cover non-kinetic communication and force escalation at 2,000 and 3,000 meters.
Since its introduction to the market, Genasys’ family of LRADs has been integrated into 26 international navies and coast guards.
Alongside defense customers, over 100 countries and 500 cities currently use the hailing devices.