MILREM to Upgrade THeMIS UGV with Silvus Wireless Datalink

By Caroline Rees / 17 Aug 2017

Smart Sourcing for Unmanned Systems

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
THeMIS UGV
Follow UST
StreamCaster 4200 UGV Radio

The StreamCaster 4200 UGV Radio

Silvus Technologies, a developer of military-grade tactical MIMO wireless communications, has confirmed that its StreamCaster 4200 radio has been selected by MILREM, the Estonia-based designer and manufacturer of Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs), for use on the THeMIS (Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System) platform.

THeMIS is a multi-purpose unmanned vehicle which can be utilized as an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) asset to assist target acquisition, logistics support, and medical evac and other missions. MILREM has chosen the Silvus StreamCaster 4200 (SC4200) as its datalink to provide wireless command/control and video for a variety of defense and commercial customers.

THeMIS UGV

Paired with high performance antennas, Silvus radios allow the THeMIS to drive extended ranges, pushing video and data communication farther than before. The radios feature transmit beamforming, and industry first that nearly doubles the signal range of similar competing data links in the unmanned systems market. MIMO spatial multiplexing vastly increases throughput, and space-time coding enhances overall strength. Data rates up to 100+ Mbps are supported over the bi-directional, low latency datalink.

“Silvus is offering rugged and high quality MIMO radios which have proven to provide reliable wireless video and data communication over extended range. The technical support and guidance from the Silvus team has been quick and very effective.” said Rivo Opik, MILREM’s Chief Engineer. “From the engineering side, Silvus StreamCaster radios have been very easy to use. The user interface with system settings is nicely organized and radios have several useful additional features, including mesh networking.”

This extended range is key, and is why MILREM searched for an improved data link to complement their existing THeMIS platform. Companies purchasing the THeMIS can control one, two or an entire fleet of THeMIS UGVs and monitor exactly what is happening at any given time using real-time, live-feed HD video from the Silvus radios.

“The radios have been performing greatly. Extended range with higher output power is not an issue when used on our ground vehicle. In urban environments where signals are attenuated by buildings and other obstructions, it is even possible to extend operational range by use of one or more repeaters.,” added Opik. “We were able to test extended range in open areas and test the functioning of mesh network on our vehicles. The vehicle was controllable with non-existing latency over meshed network.”

Silvus created its StreamCaster series of MN-MIMO radios to enable military-grade wireless video, data and voice communications in the most extreme situations. The ability to create an ad hoc self-forming/self-healing mesh network is essential for the dynamic tactical operations. This powerful method of wireless connectivity is a natural fit for Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs), and in particular, for several major US Military UGV programs where stringent performance requirements dictate the use of advanced communications techniques.

Posted by Caroline Rees Caroline co-founded Unmanned Systems Technology and has been at the forefront of the business ever since. With a Masters Degree in marketing Caroline has her finger on the pulse of all things unmanned and is committed to showcasing the very latest in unmanned technical innovation. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Field-Tested: How Far Can the Dronetag RIDER Really Detect?

Dronetag’s latest video sees the RIDER Remote ID receiver put to the test, revealing its real-world detection range and previewing the new generation of Drone Scanner

May 20, 2025
Final Call to Apply for GENIUS NY Program

The application window for GENIUS NY, the premier uncrewed systems accelerator, closes May 28th. Learn about this incredible opportunity and explore how GENIUS NY champions innovation as the official XPO+ Launcher sponsor, at XPO Booth 3613

May 20, 2025
WISPR Systems Partners to Advance American-Made UAV Technology

WISPR Systems and NW Blue are joining forces to showcase advanced drone platforms designed for real-world applications, built on American-made innovation and reliability

May 20, 2025
Iridium Introduces 9603 ESBD Module for Secure Government Messaging

Iridium Communications Inc. is launching a U.S. government-specific version of its 9603 module, featuring Enhanced Short Burst Data (ESBD) for secure, low-latency mobile messaging across global defense networks

May 20, 2025
Elistair Awarded Contract to Supply Tethered Drones for Greek Fire Service

Elistair has secured a contract to supply tethered drone systems for integration into Greece’s Mobile Operations Centers, enhancing disaster response capabilities

May 20, 2025
Sunhillo to Deliver Surveillance Data Fusion for BVLOS Test Bed

Sunhillo Corporation has joined ResilienX to support the SAFE-T initiative in Tulsa, delivering surveillance data solutions for autonomous aviation development

May 20, 2025

Featured Content

Final Call to Apply for GENIUS NY Program

The application window for GENIUS NY, the premier uncrewed systems accelerator, closes May 28th. Learn about this incredible opportunity and explore how GENIUS NY champions innovation as the official XPO+ Launcher sponsor, at XPO Booth 3613

May 20, 2025
WarrenUAS Secures FAA 44807 Exemption, Expanding Large UAS Training Capabilities

WarrenUAS has received FAA 44807 approval to train students on unmanned aerial systems weighing over 55 pounds in the NAS, placing it among only five U.S. organizations with this clearance, and expanding its national training leadership

May 15, 2025
Product Spotlight: Durable Lightweight Lithium-Ion Batteries for UAVs

American Lithium Energy (ALE)'s energy-dense lithium-ion battery cells combine high power output with built-in safety features, ideal for UAV and eVTOL applications in challenging environments

May 14, 2025
Advancing Unmanned Systems Through Strategic Collaboration UST works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive unmanned systems capabilities forward.