SatTracking Logistic Assets Contract Awarded To ARINC + Impeva

ARINC Incorporated and Impeva Labs, Inc. has announced the U.S. Army Logistics Innovation Agency (LIA) has awarded the companies a contract to install and demonstrate their satellite-based Next Generation Wireless Communications (NGWC) tracking, security, and monitoring capability on containerized shipments of Arms, Ammunition, and Explosives (AA&E).

The NGWC capability protects shipments by continuously monitoring their locations and cargo conditions, and reporting as necessary over a satellite network (e.g., Iridium) from any point on Earth. This advanced capability is designed to provide real-time, end-to-end visibility of shipments moving throughout the distribution pipeline. The initial demonstration of this capability will track an outbound shipment originating from a depot in the western United States during the next 30 days. A follow-on demonstration of this capability will track shipments outbound to their final destinations in theater, and will also track retrograde shipments returning from in-theater ammunition supply points back to depots in the U.S. The companies started their partnership to develop the NGWC capability under a 2006 Army contract. Unlike other cargo monitoring systems, the technology does not require any local infrastructure or personnel support along the route.

A battery-powered satellite link inside each container-mounted device continuously relays cargo condition and location data. No fixed or handheld RFID interrogators, or cellular networks, are required for the NGWC capability to provide continuous reporting. Applied to unit deployments, retrograde unit moves, or sustainment shipments, NGWC technology provides actionable information directly to personnel who can effect change by alerting local authorities to off-route shipments, breached containers, over-temperature frozen foods, or a variety of additional sensor-based criteria. The NGWC cargo electronics module accepts inputs from any standard sensor and can be tailored to monitor a wide range of factors. Motion and intrusion detectors, impact recorders, temperature and humidity sensors, and refrigeration diagnostic devices can be implemented. All cargo-related data and continuous GPS position reports are encrypted before being sent over the satellite link.