By Alan M. Petrillo
Lockheed Martin Corp. has developed an app that, when registered to a universal communications platform (UCP) server the company makes, allows a user to have push-to-talk radio communications on a Smartphone or laptop.
Lockheed Martin’s Universal Communications Platform (UCP) provides translational communications among any radio frequency or manufacturer, as well as true APCO P25 cellular radio communications, enabling first responders to use personal mobile devices such as Smartphones, laptops, PCs and tablets from any location to access otherwise disparate radio network infrastructures. Shown is the version developed for the Department of Defense by Lockheed Martin. (Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin.)
Jim Quinn, Lockheed Martin's commercial communications business products, says the UCP integrates any radio communications system using existing communications infrastructure to form a dedicated network to handle voice, video, and data. The UCP also enables firefighters and first responders to assess situations and respond in unison through a common operating picture feature, he notes.
"The UCP provides radio over cellular capability," Quinn points out, "and unlike push-to-talk capability available today, it is a true radio format on a Smartphone when you launch the app. When a phone is registered to a UCP system, it gives the phone the capability of acting like a P25 radio where you have talk groups, zones, a man-down button, and all the standards available on a P25 device."
The Lockheed Martin Tactical Deployable Unit (TDU) is a self-contained, portable system that enables first responders to set up for operation at any place and at any time in under 15 minutes. The TDU includes fully capable communications for operation centers, mobile units, and other applications. (Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin.)
Quinn says that the talk button on an iPhone is a button on the screen that the user pushes; on an Android device, the user pushes the volume button. "In each case, the Smartphone will function as a radio until the user hits disconnect," he adds. "And, the system is encryptable like a P25 radio, so calls from any handheld phone are encrypted too. It gives fire and medical agencies the capability to conduct operations securely and not worry about intercepts."
The Lockheed Martin app is available at Apple's App Store, Quinn says. "The nonP25 version of the app is free," he notes, "while the P25 version has a charge because of licensing fees. The app has to be registered to a device that has the UCP capability."
The UCP typically is installed at an agency's dispatch center or other communications facility, and Quinn points out, "it can work seamlessly with any console made today." Lockheed Martin also makes a tactical deployable unit (TDU), a self-contained portable system that includes fully capable communications for operations centers and mobile units. "The TDU is designed to fit in a Pelican™ transit case and can connect up to four radios and cellular units," Quinn says.
With its ability to connect any radio and frequency as well as push P25 cellular radio communications to users, the Lockheed Martin United Communications Platform allows the emergency first responders to immediately communicate and coordinate with police, fire