Commanders want better information to make faster decisions, and the Fischer KEYSTONE six-port tactical hub helps soldiers and commanders stay connected. Since the successful launch of KEYSTONE in March 2023, Fischer Connectors has expanded the cable assembly portfolio to enhance the interoperability and integration capabilities of soldier-worn C4ISR communications and digital devices connected to battlefield management systems.
Designed to be compatible with Next Generation Hub (NGH) standards, Fischer KEYSTONE gives an easy way to manage the flows of data (USB 2.0 and SMBus) and power (100 W — 5 A max) between sights, sensors, night vision devices, radios and digital equipment.
The newly extended KEYSTONE cable assembly portfolio now comprises 16 cables intermate-able with Nett Warrior and NATO STANAG 4695/4851 interfaces, including five options for specific applications and devices: three radio cables for L3 Harris, Silvus and Bittium, and two device cables for Safran Vectronix’s target acquisition system, the MOSKITO TI target locator and the STERNA True North Finder.
The Fischer KEYSTONE Tactical Hub connects soldier digital equipment to manage flows of data and power efficiently and easily. Source: Fischer Connectors
The multi-purpose target locator MOSKITO TI uses a KEYSTONE cable with an RS-232 converter. Powered by a single battery, when connected to KEYSTONE, the device’s operating time can be significantly increased, transferring its data seamlessly through the hub to the EUD.
Another example of a device that connects easily to KEYSTONE is the augmented reality head-up display (HUD) system ARC4 RECON developed by Applied Research Associates (ARA). ARC4 delivers routes, friendly positions, checkpoints, aircraft locations and targets right to operators’ night vision goggles.
“Reliable, simple, does what it’s expected to do: that’s the usual feedback we receive from customers who have field-tested Fischer KEYSTONE,” confirmed Olivier Thormann, product manager for Fischer KEYSTONE. “Soldiers already know how to use it — they clip it on, plug it in, and it just works.”
More extensions to the Fischer KEYSTONE tactical connectivity solution are on the busy agenda of the Swiss-based company’s R&D. The next KEYSTONE hub — Fischer KEYSTONE 4 — is a four-port hub designed for soldiers who need basic power and data connections for certain critical missions. KEYSTONE 4 has already been previewed this year at defense trade shows DSEI and AUSA alongside KEYSTONE 6. It will also be showcased on Fischer Connectors stand 5 L 085 at Milipol, the international event for homeland security and safety taking place in Paris, France, from November 14 to 17, 2023.
