Bluetooth Wireless Solutions for Short-Range Military Applications

"Recent Army battlefield experiments at Ft. Benning, GA and Ft. Hood, TX have identified the need for more effective wireless communications. Short-range wireless systems are needed both for dismounted soldier systems and for quick network assembly ofcomputer equipment in command post systems. The development team proposes to develop lightweight, low-power, secure, robust telemetry systems for military applications based on the emerging Bluetooth technology. The studies and experiments conductedduring the Phase I program have shown the advantage of Bluetooth over competing technologies in these applications.Luna proposes two main areas of effort: 1) assessment of the performance and capability of Bluetooth components in military environments and 2) integration of Bluetooth devices into military production systems. The development team will first closelycharacterize the Bluetooth performance and capability; particular focus will be placed on determining the impact of co-existence between 802.11b and Bluetooth. Secondly, Bluetooth data transfer modules (BDTMs) will be developed capable of interfacing to awide variety of military systems to provide transfer of data, voice and low-rate video information over Bluetooth links. The Land Warrior (LW) and Individual Combat ID System (ICIDS) programs have been identified as primary integration points for theproposed technology."