RAPID: Leveraging Open Source Codebases and Designs to Create a Trusted Solutions (ATAK Style Software Based LOS Voice and SATCOM SMS )

GCI assessed the market potential for the leveraging of open source hardware and software to rapidly field low-cost trusted electronics and software. The team investigated and matched the needs up with open source software and hardware to include reviews of the licenses and reporting of use to the general public. From the discussions with end users, the value was not solely in the original intent for and autopilot but in the methods to leverage open source hardware and software. The team found multiple for open source hardware and software solutions. The largest was for an ATAK style device to communicate with delivery UAS but also add open source communications hardware designs to provide LOS and SATCOM SMS style data capability. If successful, this solution could help put ruggedized smart phones and tablets with integrated communications capabilities in aircrews’ hands. In Phase II proposal the team will leveraging open source codebases and designs to demonstrate a potential concept for an ATAK style device (smart phone or tablet) software-based LOS and SATCOM SMS style data capability. The initial capability demonstration will show the ability to communicate with voice and SMS style SATCOM data using a smart phone style device.