This video shows a military freefall training operation as viewed through the TAK server, which simulates a tactical operations center observing soldiers in a field environment.

The Drop Zone Safety Officer (DZSO) has ATAK running with a TAK server connection via cellular data and a goTenna for local Radio Frequency (RF) backhaul of teammates to the TAK server. All other participants are only using goTenna-enabled devices to communicate to the DZSO, which is relayed through the TAK server connection. The goTenna-enabled devices continue to provide consistent updates to the DZSO and everyone connected to the TAK server.

The combination of the TAK server and goTenna-enabled devices ensures reliable “force protection” measures are in place for responding to any medical emergency by providing updated location and personnel tracking. This enables a reduction in time from injury to initial care. This enhanced situational awareness provides reliable blue-force tracking during the most critical phases of any military freefall operation.

Tracking jumpers through the TAK server enables command and control throughout all phases of a military freefall operation. Through the TAK server, you can locate the exact altitude of an aircraft or jumper without using or tying up voice communications. This provides vital situational awareness without the risk of stepping on voice comms during an operation where every second counts.

goTenna has demonstrated the ability to track upwards of 50 miles away from a ground station. This means that Jump Masters and aircraft crew have positive communications with the drop zone without the signal profile of conventional voice communications. For example, if a wayward jumper lands off the DZ, they can be easily tracked for recovery. This results in positive identification of friendly aircraft and having near real-time Drop Zone information for the jumpers, all while maintaining the lowest possible radio frequency profile.

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