Kopin, a company that provides specialized optical solutions and high-performance micro-displays across defense, enterprise, consumer, and medical sectors, has secured a contract from the US Army.
US Army Grants Kopin to Develop AR Display Optics
The agreement aims to develop advanced see-through augmented reality (AR) display optics for dismounted soldier vision systems. Over the past 25 years, the US Army has continually enhanced systems to provide dismounted soldiers with critical data for combat operations.
Initiatives like the Land Warrior program and subsequent efforts such as Nett Warrior, Thermal Weapon Sight programs, and the Integrated Visual Acuity System (IVAS) have aimed to boost situational awareness and combat effectiveness.
Despite these efforts, existing optical viewing methods have posed challenges, including visual dissonance and cognitive strain due to ergonomic and technical limitations, according to Kopin.
Under the newly awarded contract, Kopin will focus on innovating AR optics to surpass previous systems. The goal is to improve optical performance, enhance daylight readability, ensure visual and ergonomic comfort, improve nighttime visibility, and reduce overall weight, size, and power consumption.
Bill Maffucci, Kopin's Senior Vice President of Business Development and Strategy, expressed optimism about the contract's potential impact. He highlighted the opportunity to develop soldier-centric vision products that align with the Army's vision of a fully digitized day and night head-mounted visual information system.
"We are very pleased to be selected for this important development, and we believe Kopin's unique ability to not only develop the necessary optics but also to create a specific microdisplay that is optimized for the application will allow us to succeed where others have been unable to address the Army's needs fully," Maffucci said in a press statement.
T-Mobile's Contract With the US Navy
On the other hand, T-Mobile recently unveiled a $2.67 billion contract win with the US Department of the Navy under the Spiral 4 agreement. This contract enables various Department of Defense (DoD) agencies to procure T-Mobile's wireless solutions over the next decade.
The Spiral 4 contract positions T-Mobile to leverage its advanced 5G network capabilities to deliver modern wireless solutions tailored to government needs.
These solutions encompass voice services, data connectivity, fixed wireless options, Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, and mobility management services. The overarching objective of the contract is to ensure reliable connectivity for diverse government operations.
T-Mobile's entry into Spiral 4 marks a significant evolution from its involvement in Spiral 3, initiated in 2017. The company has expanded its offerings under this new phase, introducing 5G Advanced Network Solutions.
These include comprehensive 5G applications and solutions, such as private and hybrid networks, designed to meet stringent performance criteria for government agencies.
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