MotivationSathi (Strategic Awareness and Tactical Handheld Information) - Portable Combat Information System
First time in world, an integrated battle computer that will give soldiers the most powerful weapon of all - information. Developed jointly by Bangalore based Encore Software and the Indian Army, SATHI combines India's indigenous hand help computer, with an integrated GPS and Radio, a customized GIS and a battlefield application. Sathi is world's first tactical computer, with a dynamic wireless LAN spread over multiple kilometres, providing a battlefield situational awareness and communication to a soldier who is part of a team.
Details
Motivation
The requirement of the Indian Army was an integrated battlefield computer that could allow a soldier to pinpoint his exact field location on a GIS powered map, allow friendly troops to see his position on their screens, and lastly, allow communication between the two.
The result is a hi-tech integrated computer that runs on a 128-bit encrypted (DES) standard, capable of withstanding temperatures between -20 C to +70 C, with a range of 5 km, an inbuilt RF modem, and a GPS receiver - all with 24 hours of battery life and weighing just 875 grams.
Technical Specifications
- Hardware:
- ARM based RISC processor
- 128MB RAM
- 96MB masked ROM or Flash, depending on version
- USB based external devices - load map, Camera, Printer, Keyboard
- Serial port based devices - RS STARS V, PRIME
- LCD display:
- 240x320 (3.5") color with touch screen
- Mechanical:
- Weight: 875 gms
- Batteries: 2 Li-Ion battery packs; field chargeable for upto 24 hour operation.
- Applications:
- Radio - Integrated Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum radio modem
- Integrated GPS
Features
Customized GIS System - SATHI has a customized Geographical Information System (GIS), which along with the GPS input makes it an ideal navigational tool, displays military maps (vectors and raster) and location of other devices on the map.
Multiple Communication Modes - SATHI can support voice and text (SMS) for a network of devices deployed in the mission area. Its software controlled radio allows it to be deployed on an ad hoc basis, sending regular updates of device positions, messages and map markings over the entire network, directly or by relay.
Battlefield Applications
- Battlefield Situational Awareness - Establishes contact with other devices in the network and displays relative positions of the user on a map. Device to device range of 2 kms and base stations to device of 3 kms. Multiple hopping to devices out of range through devices within range. The common Operating Picture seen on the devices can be viewed by Higher Headquarters on a PC / SATHI / Laptop.
- Perimeter Security - The device makes it possible for people around different points on a boundary to keep in touch with each other, lending to greater security.
- Surveillance and Target Designation - Each user has the ability to mark observed targets on the GIS maps and trasmit it to the others leading to taget designation with great accuracy.
- Single User Mode - Serves as a general purpose tool for navigation. With a GPS patch antennae it can be used from within a vechile.
Miscellaneous
The device works on a password based system, so it can actually act as a decoy if it falls into enemy hands. If an unauthorized attempt is made to login, SATHI can actually reveal the position of the person attempting the break in to friendly troops, thereby doubling up as a failsafe decoy. A soldier can conveniently mark and share positions with others using a stylus. SATHI is powered by the 2.4.18 GNU/Linux kernel.
The product was initially named Baaz (Bird's eye view of the battlefield)
The project is jointly owned by Encore and the Indian Army, and under the agreement, SATHI can be sold to friendly armies around the world, with prior approval and permission by the defense.
Contact Information
Encore Software Limited
44 and 45 Residency Cross Road, Bangalore - 560 025.
sathi@ncoretech.com
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