MotionTouch Designs Defensive Casing on Communications Device for the Special Forces
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MotionTouch, the specialist in innovative product design and manufacturing, has worked with Paradigm to provide a defensive casing for its communications device for the Special Forces.
FRED (Find and Report Emergency Device) is a lightweight hand-held device in a ruggedised silicon shell, utilising both Iridium Short Burst Data (SBD) and GPS for positioning, making it ideal for emergency situations in hostile environments. Its advanced satellite communication system designed by Paradigm is protected by the robust external protection designed by MotionTouch, giving the user total confidence that the device will alert the appropriate authorities no matter how aggressive the surroundings.
Paradigm, an EADS Astrium Services Company, approached MotionTouch to create a simple yet defensive casing for FRED, to house their communications interface technology. Due to the inhospitable locations and situations the device would typically be used in, the casing had to be highly robust and ensure the communications system within worked effectively and reliably.
MotionTouch drew on its extensive ingress-protection expertise in the design of the rugged device exterior. The silicon jacket, with its IP68 rating, is fully resistant to sand, dust and dirt, water-resistant to 1.2m and meets the requirements of Mil-Std 810 for temperature vibration and shock, it can be dropped from 1m with no effect on its interior structure.
Despite this hard-wearing exterior FRED remains light-weight for hand-held use. MotionTouch put its mobile and wireless technology experience into effect to ensure the communications system worked efficiently within the shell, which has the SBD and GPS antennae set apart, so signals remain clear and uncompromised regardless of location.
With such a complex communication interface, it was crucial the casing could provide the protection required for use in adverse environments - the FRED shell achieves this. The device is currently available as part of Paradigm's LifeLink service (http://www.paradigmservices.com).
Henry Powell, Client Director of MotionTouch, commented, "Military personnel working in areas where communications infrastructures are unreliable need to be able to depend on equipment like this. We were excited to work with Paradigm and make a real contribution to FRED via our expertise in mobile communications and rugged technology."
Keith Norton, Managing Director of Paradigm, added, "The LifeLink service, 'Help is on the Way', enabled by the FRED device, represents a step change in the services offered by Paradigm. By having a robust case that meets the harsh environments MotionTouch has delivered on its promise."
ABOUT MOTIONTOUCH
MotionTouch partners its clients to realise the potential of great ideas and innovative thinking. Offering a complete range of design and manufacturing services across the product development cycle - from initial concept, to prototype and production - MotionTouch tailors its services to support clients' specific needs. For more information visit www.motiontouch.com
Contact: Zoe Powell, Media & Communications, Phone: +44(0)7866-639014, Email: zoep@motiontouch.com
